Examining the Association between Parent and Child Sport Participation in Canada: A General Social Survey Study

Abstract

Research has shown a relationship between parent sport participation and child sport participation. With a sample of 1,064 respondents from the 2010 General Social Survey, this study examined how child sport participation is associated with parent sport participation, household income, parent education level, and parent sex. Results found that respondents with a child aged 5-12 who participated in sport over the past 12 months were more likely to have done so themselves too. (OR = 4.39, 95% CI = 2.44-7.89, p < 0.001). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were additionally found for the respondent’s education, age, and total household income. However, no significant differences were found for sex (p = 0.13). These results suggest that evidence-based interventions targeted at parents who do not participate in sport may increase children’s participation. Further research is encouraged to take a more holistic approach to analyzing childhood sport participation.