Perfiles de comportamiento de los padres en el deporte y su relacíon con los procesos motivacionales de sus hijos

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to examine parents' profiles respecting pressure/involvement and support to the basic psychological needs (BPN) on motivation and boredom developed by youth participants in sport practice. The sample was formed by 301 parents and their respective 301 children (M = 13.92; SD = 2.04), who belonged to team sports (n = 191) and individual sports (n = 128). Perception of involvement and pressure, as well as support to the BPN were measure in parents, whereas self-determined motivation and boredom in the practice were variables assessed in adolescents. Results showed the existence of two profiles (adaptive profile, which was composed of support to the BPN and low levels of pressure, and maladaptive profile, which was formed by high level of pressure and low levels of support to the BPN), and a relationship between parents' maladaptive profile and children's motivation and boredom. Moreover, it was revealed that parents with a lower adaptive profile showed less physical activity during the week. To conclude, it is highlighted the importance to create a lower pressure and greater involvement in the adequate practice of their children, as well as promote support to the BPN, and increase their level of physical activity, with the aim to enhance youth athletes' motivation and decrease their boredom levels in the practice.