A recent study by the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP) and the Research Centre for Human Development (CEDH) shows how parental involvement in their children's sports life can influence their athletic performance and the development of perfectionist traits.
The research, titled "The mediating role of perfectionism in parental involvement and young athletes' performance", published in the journal Scientific Reports, involved 299 male athletes aged between 12 and 19 years old, all competing in national championships. The results are clear: the type of support young people receive from their parents can be decisive for their success in sports.
The effect of parental support on sports performance
The study identified that athletes who receive positive support from their parents tend to strive harder, showing better performance both individually and collectively. These young athletes perceive the support as a source of motivation, which leads them to focus on continuous improvement and to achieve high standards of performance.
On the other hand, young people who face constant criticism from their parents may see their performance negatively affected, especially during competitions.
The article also identified that the way parents get involved in their children's sports life contributes to the development of two types of perfectionism in young people: the aspiration for perfection, of a more adaptive character, characterised by the healthy pursuit of excellence, and which contributed to good athletic performance; and the negative reaction to imperfection, of a less adaptive character, based on the fear of making mistakes, which can paralyse the athlete and harm their performance.
"Youth sport is as much about the journey as it is about the results"
Marco Teixeira, the first author of the study, shared some essential recommendations for parents of young athletes. For the researcher, it is important that parents recognise that youth sport should be a journey of growth, and not just a relentless pursuit of results. "Sport is as much about the journey as it is about the results. Parents can be a foundation of support, offering a safe environment that prioritises the development of the athlete, both personally and sportingly," he states.
"With this study, we hope to inspire a more thoughtful approach to parental involvement, which cultivates resilience, confidence, and a lasting love for sport," he concludes.
The research is also signed by Catarina Morais (CEDH) and A. Rui Gomes (University of Minho).