Sources of Parental Pressure Among Age Group Swimmers

Abstract

In response to claims that parents are a source of pressure on children in sport this study was designed to explore the value of a conceptual model of how it may be exerted. Male (n = 34) and female (n = 48) competitive swimmers completed a 31 item questionnaire designed to elicit responses about the behaviour of their parents with regard to their swimming activities. Subjects identified the frequency with which certain behaviours were (a) exhibited by, and (b) desired of their parents. Discrepancies between exhibited and desired behaviour indicated the extent of subjects’ satisfaction with those behaviours. Factor analysis yielded three scales which measured Directive Behaviour (DB), Active Involvement (AI), and Praise and Understanding (PU). A single item measure of Pressure (Press.) was included as a dependent variable. Single sample t‐tests showed that subjects perceived an excess of DB and Press., insufficient PU, but satisfactory levels of AI. Multiple regression indicated that discrepancies between desired and perceived DB and levels of Pressure Desired (PD) predicted pressure experienced. This provides qualified support for the model but indicates that the quality of parental behaviour rather than simply its intensity is critical in provoking feelings of pressure. Results are discussed in terms of the coaching triangle and family systems theory and recommendations are made for parental conduct and the clarification of parents’ roles in children's sport.