Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Mark Eys

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

Parent influence on the affective, behavioral, and cognitive sport experiences of youth athletes has been extensively studied in sport psychology; however, this literature has primarily focused on individual- and dyadic- level outcomes. In contrast, researchers have called for greater attention to whether parents influence group dynamics in youth sport, how such influence may occur, and the potential magnitude of parent influence on group-related constructs (e.g., motivational climate, role perceptions). Therefore, the overarching objective of this dissertation was to explore parental influence on group dynamics in the interdependent youth sport context.

Using an exploratory sequential multi-method design, three projects were conducted. Project 1 involved semi-structured interviews with parents, coaches, and parent-coaches involved in competitive youth sport and identified multiple pathways through which parents may influence group dynamics. Building on these findings, Projects 2 and 3 quantitatively examined parent influence on specific group dynamics constructs from multiple perspectives (i.e., athletes, parents, and coaches). Specifically, Project 2 investigated relationships among athlete perceptions of parent- and coach-initiated motivational climate and cohesion, and Project 3 examined parental involvement in role communication, and its association with athlete role perceptions.

Across all three projects, findings indicated that parents are perceived to exert both direct and indirect influence on the group dynamics of competitive youth sport teams. Results also underscored the central role of coaches in shaping and protecting team environments and structure, and demonstrated that alignment between coaches and parents has the potential to be particularly impactful for athlete sport experiences. Overall, this dissertation integrated sport parenting and group dynamics literature, providing a novel perspective for understanding how parents contribute to youth sport teams. The findings offer a foundation for future theoretical and practical work that has implications for efforts to promote positive, sustainable youth sport participation in Canada.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Spring

Download

Available for download on Thursday, April 26, 2029

Share

COinS