Reality is in the eye of the beholder: From young players’ interpretations of their parents to how they perceive their own competence and the value of sport

Abstract

The expectancy-value theory posits that expectations of success and the value placed on a task are critical determinants of motivation and learning. This study explored the relationships between perceptions of the parental motivational climate, perceptions of competence (self-perceptions and parental reflected appraisals), and the value attributed to sport. 643 male athletes (aged 10-16) from various team sports completed a questionnaire assessing these variables. Correlational analyses, including Pearson and canonical correlations, indicated that both parents’ reflected appraisals and a motivational climate emphasizing learning and enjoyment were positively associated with higher perceived competence and greater value attributed to sport. Hierarchical regression analyses further revealed that higher reflected appraisals (from both parents) and a less mistakes-focused climate from fathers - but a more error-focused climate from mothers - predicted greater perceived competence. Similarly, fathers’ emphasis on learning and enjoyment and high levels of reflected appraisals from both parents predicted the value attributed to sport. These findings underscore the impact of perceived parental behaviors, suggesting that reflected appraisals and specific parental motivational approaches significantly shape young athletes’ perceived competence and the value they attribute to the sport.