An Exploration of Parental Influence on High School Athlete's Motivation to Continue to play their Sport of Choice
An Exploration of Parental Influence on High School Athlete's Motivation to Continue to play their Sport of Choice
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Issue Date
2009
Authors
Jones, Shondale Shanna
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Abstract
Having athletes begin sports at a young age it makes some people wonder why the athlete begins playing and continues to play. The purpose of the study is to explore how parents influence their child's motivation to continue their sport. The study looked at soccer players that began playing soccer at a young age and continue to play soccer in high school. Grounded theory methodology was used for the study. This qualitative method is appropriate as it focuses on gaining an understanding from athletes' perspectives. Participants of the study included four high school girl soccer athletes from upper middle-class neighborhoods were interviewed to determine whether parents influence their motivation. Results of the study showed that parents do influence the initial participation in sports but it is ultimately the athlete who has the passion and motivation to continue playing soccer.