An interpretative phenomenological analysis of parent-child co-participation in mountain biking

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Authors

Smith, Haley Hunter

Date

2024-05-14

Type

thesis

Language

eng

Keyword

youth sport , parent-child relationship , co-participation , non-traditional sport , positive youth development , adult sport

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Abstract

Parent-child relationships are known to be particularly influential on youth sport outcomes (e.g., Dorsch et al., 2021). The sport environment is intimately related to the social dynamics experienced in youth sport, influencing what types of parent-child interactions may occur (e.g., Côté et al., 2020). Non-traditional sports provide contexts for one unique type of influential relationship interaction; parent-child co-participation (e.g., Nash & Moore, 2021). Little research has been conducted on this phenomenon to date, but the existing literature shows that co-participation holds potential to greatly impact youth, adult, and adult-youth relationship outcomes (Smith & Côté, 2023). Therefore, the present study aimed to examine experiences of parent-child co-participation, with the intent to understand the processes and outcomes of these interactions. Using an interpretative phenomenological study design, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven parent-child dyads. The data were then analyzed according to the IPA tradition (Larkin & Flowers, 2018). Four themes were constructed through this analysis: (a) Family-based and independent participation are two complementary pathways to co-participation; (b) Parents flow between the roles of peer, partner, and provider; (c) Participants employ adaptive strategies on either side of the ‘sweet spot’ of skill overlap; and (d) Shared activity allows for positive interpersonal interactions and relationship building. When present in concert in a regular and recurring manner, these four themes create fulfilling co- participation experiences between parents and their children. These results demonstrate co- participation’s potential to act on the short, mid, and long-term outcomes of sport participation for both youth and adults, as well as on parent-child relationship development. Theoretically, these findings contribute to the field’s understanding of support and optimal parent involvement. Practically, these findings provide insights in response to questions put forth by Cycling Canada and represent potential strategies sport organizations may employ to improve parent engagement and behaviours.

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