Understanding parental secure base support across youth sport contexts in SwedenShow others and affiliations
2024 (English)In: Psychology of Sport And Exercise, ISSN 1469-0292, E-ISSN 1878-5476, Vol. 73, article id 102658Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
The notion of secure base explains how a child can grow and become independent through access to a significant other (i.e., parent) who is available, encouraging, and noninterfering. The purpose of the current study was to develop an understanding of parental secure base support within the context of youth sport in Sweden, with a specific focus on: (a) what parental behaviors constitute a secure base, and (b) how these behaviors differ across contexts (at home before and after sport, at practice and during competitions). An interpretive descriptive methodology (Thorne, 2016) was used. Interviews were conducted with 13 family triads (children aged 12–15 years) and 1 dyad living in Sweden. Analysis was conducted to illuminate associations, patterns, and relationships within the sample. Analysis led to the development of nine categories of parental behaviors that were perceived to underpin a secure base. Availability was seen to comprise physical presence and support provision, being responsive, and developing positive mental representations. Encouragement encompassed demonstrating that sport participation is valued, motivating to explore sporting endeavors, and reinforcing and rewarding persistence in sports. Interference was described as unrequested interference, requested interference, and intentionally constrained involvement. Additionally, influencing factors such as communication, family structure and culture, were identified. The findings provide an empirical illustration for several behaviors that have been perceived as positive in previous literature, as well as highlighting numerous further complexities, particularly as it relates to interference.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024. Vol. 73, article id 102658
Keywords [en]
Attachment theory, Availability, Encouragement, Interference, Sport
National Category
Psychology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-224477DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102658ISI: 001243236800001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85192761104OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-224477DiVA, id: diva2:1858717
Funder
Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports2024-05-172024-05-172025-04-24Bibliographically approved