| Longitudinal research indicates that there are many physical, social, and psychological benefits for youth to participate in sports (Eppright, Sanfacon, Beck, & Bradley, 1997; Kirkcaldy, Shephard, & Siefen, 2002). Enjoyment and perceived sense of competence are among the most salient factors in athletes' continued participation in sport (Gill et al., 1983; Scanlan & Lewthwaite, 1986; Boyd & Yin, 1996; Weinberg, 1984). The present study was conducted to examine the role of biological/adoptive and step-parental involvement, support, and pressure in athletes' reported enjoyment and perceived competence in their sport. Fifty-six dyads of baseball/softball athletes, ages 12 to 17, and their parents were assessed. The vast majority of the athletes indicated that each parent's involvement was "just right." Every athlete whom perceived their parent (biological/adoptive and step) to have higher levels of support had slightly greater reported enjoyment in their sport than athletes who perceived their particular parent to have lower levels of support. Surprisingly, only the support of the biological/adoptive mother was significantly related to the athletes' enjoyment (p = .02) and perceived competence in their sport (p < .001). Higher levels of perceived parental pressure were associated with decreased reported enjoyment for the athlete in their sport. There were no statistically significant relationships between perceived level of parental pressure and overall athlete competence in their sport. Implications are discussed. |
