The Family and Significant Others Effect on Sportsperson.pdf

PSYCHOLOGY

1. The Family and Significant
Others
Effect on Sportsperson

2. Overview
1.Parental Influence on Children
2.Influence of Siblings and
Spouses
3.Impact of coaches and peer
relationships.
4.Importance of social support
networks. Naveen Kumar
Jasraaj Singh
Ajay Singh
Sanjay Joshi

3. Parental Influence on Children

4. Manpreet Singh with wife, mother, and daughter at

5. •Human behaviour, attitudes, beliefs, and values are a result of the interaction
between individuals and the significant others embedded in their social
environment (e.g., Bronfenbrenner 1993; Lewin 1934).
•Athletes’ involvement in sport stretches from early childhood to late adolescence
or beyond (Partridge, Brustad, and Stellino 2008).
•Consequently, over the course of their athletic involvement athletes form
multiple relationships with various social agents, including coaches, teammates,
parents, siblings, and romantic partners (see Côté 1999; Jowett and Cockerill
2002
Role of Family in Sports

6. •Parents, represent powerful social agents in children’s socialisation into
sport. Parents are regarded as the catalyst for initiating young athletes’
involvement in sport and physical activity (e.g., Brown, Frankel, and Fennell
1989; Lewko and Ewing 1980).
•Eccles and various colleagues (Eccles and Harold 1991; Eccles, Wegfield,
and Schiefele 1998; Fredricks and Eccles 2004) proposed the
Expectancy Value Model to understand the influence of social
agents on achievement and behaviours.
oexpectations of success and
ovalue they assign to the task.
Role of Parents in Sports

7. •Provider
•Interpreter
•Role Models
Role of Parents in Sports

8. •Provider - providers of athletes’ experiences
oIntroduce their children to the sport
oAct as a source of encouragement
oEmotional support
oPractical & logistical support
oFinancial support (equipment, magazines, books, membership fees, extra training etc)
oEnsure that the children have a variety of sport-related opportunities and experiences
both in and away from the home and sporting environment.
o sacrifices and adjustments (change their work life and schedule, give up free time on
weekends, and rearrange family holidays and outings around competitions and
tournaments)
Role of Parents in Sports

9. •Parenting Styles
•Hellstedt (1987) proposed a continuum of parental involvement in sport
ranging from
•Under-involved
•Moderately involved
•Overinvolved.
Role of Parents in Sports

10. •Parenting Styles
Role of Parents in Sports
DisciplineCommunication Nurturing Expectation Flexibility
Authoritative
Authoritarian ONE WAY LESS
Permissive
Uninvolved
OVERINVOLVED -
CHAOS

11. Interpreter - parents transmit messages relating to an athlete’s ability and competence and the
value of sport participation
• beliefs, values, expectations, and behaviours
•High expectations for their children’s success, & high value for sport participation, are regarded
to have children with more favourable outcomes (Fredricks and Eccles 2004)
•Parents’ ratings of a child’s sporting ability was positively related to the child’s beliefs about own
competence, value of sport and engagement (Fredricks and Eccles (2005))
•Fathers may play a more important role in shaping athletes’ perceptions of their skill and
competence. Fredricks and Eccles (2002), Kanters et al. (2008)
•Female athletes’ value for sport participation stemmed from their parents’ beliefs about its value
(Dixon et al. 2008)
Role of Parents in Sports

12. Interpreter - parents transmit messages relating to an athlete’s ability and competence and the
value of sport participation
• beliefs, values, expectations, and behaviours
•High expectations for their children’s success, & high value for sport participation, are regarded
to have children with more favourable outcomes (Fredricks and Eccles 2004)
•Parents’ ratings of a child’s sporting ability was positively related to the child’s beliefs about own
competence, value of sport and engagement (Fredricks and Eccles (2005))
•Fathers may play a more important role in shaping athletes’ perceptions of their skill and
competence. Fredricks and Eccles (2002), Kanters et al. (2008)
•Female athletes’ value for sport participation stemmed from their parents’ beliefs about its value
(Dixon et al. 2008)
Role of Parents in Sports

13. Interpreter
•High parental expectations and pressure to excel has been linked to negative sport outcomes such a
oreduced sport enjoyment and satisfaction,
ofeelings of uncertainty,
olack of motivation,
opsychological problems,
oathletic injury,
osport discontinuation
( Fraser-Thomas and Côté 2009; Gould et al. 2006, 2008; Hamstra, Cherubini, and Swanik 2002; Kanters 2008)
•Contrasting results of various studies suggest that impact of parental pressure to excel is not
necessarily negative; rather, it is dependent on the motivational context that accompanies high
parental pressure –winning or mastery
Role of Parents in Sports

14. Interpreter
•Parents’ motivational orientation is also associated with their child’s
oMotivational orientations (e.G., Kavussanu et al. 2011; Sánchez-miguel et al. 2013)
oPsychosocial outcomes, including motivation (Gutiérrez, Caus, and Ruiz 2011)
oPerfectionist cognitions ( Appleton, Hall, and Hill 2011)
oGood sporting behaviours (Lavoi and Babkes Stellino 2008)
oTrait anxiety (O’rourke et al. 2011)
oSport discontinuation (Le Bars, Gernigon, and Ninot 2009)
•Positive sport climate by parents of learning & enjoyment, significantly contributed to task-
motivational orientation and sportsperson like conduct.
•Athletes - greater concern for opponents & graciousness regardless of outcome (i.e., win or loss) ----
----→ if parents’ gave positive feedback and responses to good performances, encouraged mastery
of skill and enjoyment, promoted mistakes as part of learning, and lessened pressure to win and
outperform opponents.
Role of Parents in Sports

15. Role Model - models of appropriate and non-appropriate behaviours
•Parents who
•Compete in sport themselves,
•Show composure during competition and in interactions with others
•Good work ethic of parents,
•But the results of studies are inconsistent.
•A number of other studies failed to find associations between parents’ sporting involvement and
their children’s (e.g., Babkes and Weiss 1999; Fredricks and Eccles 2005).
•Recent studies demonstrated that the dropout rate is also associated with parents’ previous
engagement with sport & level of athletic involvement (Fraser-Thomas, Côté, and Deakin 2008a)
•Such pressure came not from the parents themselves but internally from the athletes
•Conduct - athletes model their own sports conduct on their parents’. Shields et al. (2007)
Role of Parents in Sports
enhance their children’s
beliefs and values ->
performance

16. Influence of Siblings and Spouses

17. Vaishali and Pragg
Divya Singh, Prashanti Singh, Akansha Singh, Pratima Singh
and Priyanka Singh
Dola and Rahul Banerjee
Geeta Phogat and
Babita Phogat

18. •The influence of siblings and spouses in sports can play a
significant role in an athlete's development, motivation, and
performance. Both groups contribute to an individual's sporting
journey in various ways from emotional support to practical
involvement.
Early Exposure and Competition
•Modeling Behavior: Siblings often serve as the first role models, particularly older siblings.
Younger siblings may look up to them and emulate their behavior, which can spark an
interest in sports. Siblings may encourage each other to try different activities, creating a
competitive but supportive environment.
•Sibling Rivalry: Healthy rivalry can motivate athletes to push themselves harder. This
competition often starts in childhood, where siblings engage in informal challenges,
helping them develop athletic skills. However, excessive rivalry can also create stress and
resentment.
Role of Siblings in Sports

19. Support and Encouragement
•Emotional Support: Siblings provide an essential support system. Whether it's celebrating
achievements or helping to cope with setbacks, siblings often understand each other
deeply and can offer encouragement that coaches or teammates might not.
•Shared Experiences: Athletes who have siblings in sports may share training routines,
games, and competitions. This can strengthen their bond and provide opportunities for
mutual encouragement and understanding.
Role of Siblings in Sports

20. •Empirical evidence examining the effects of siblings is limited in quantity
•The research largely indicates that siblings have both a positive and negative effect
(Davis and Meyer 2008; Côté 1999; FraserThomas et al. 2008; Weiss and Knoppers 1982).
•Siblings, in particular brothers, were the main influence on female athletes’
socialisation into sport participation during childhood and college (Weiss and Knoppers)
•Healthy competition between siblings facilitated the development of psychological
attributes such as competitiveness, strategising, coping, and mental toughness in elite
cricketers (Weissensteiner, Abernethy, and Farrow (2009)
Role of Siblings in Sports

21. •Côté (1999), on the other hand, demonstrated the functional and adverse influence of
siblings on sport participation across athletes’ sport trajectory.
•Specialising stage, - older siblings were perceived as role models transmitting a strong
work ethic & co-operation
•Investment stage - Tension, bitterness, and jealousy from younger or twin siblings due
to increased attention and involvement from parents. ( Knight and Harwood 2009;
Wolfenden and Holt 2005).
•Resentment, increased competition, sibling rivalry, and jealousy could lead athletes to
drop out of sports (Fraser-Thomas et al, 2008)
Role of Siblings in Sports

22. ROLE OF SIBLINGS
Sharing Knowledge and Advice
Skill Development Siblings can help each other improve in sports by practicing together or sharing tips.
The comfort of family relationships makes it easier to provide honest feedback and offer suggestions.
Adapting Strategies Older siblings might offer advice on handling difficult situations, such as intense
competition, managing injuries, or dealing with coaching strategies.
Allyson and Camille Adams (Track and Field)
Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning
(American Football)
The Murray Brothers
(Tennis)

23. Venus and Serena Williams (Tennis)
Early Competition and Inspiration Venus and Serena Williams are perhaps one of the most famous
examples of siblings who influenced each other’s success in sports. Their father, Richard Williams, coached
them from a young age, and they often practiced and competed against each other. Their rivalry on the tennis
court, especially when they faced off in major finals, has been a driving force behind their motivation to
improve. Serena has often spoken about how her older sister Venus inspired her to become a professional player
and motivated her to keep improving.
Support and Encouragement Despite their fierce competition, both sisters have been each other's
biggest supporters. Venus has been a role model for Serena, and Serena has said that Venus’ resilience has
inspired her to push through challenges in her own career.
ROLE OF SIBLINGS

24. ROLE OF SIBLINGS
The Bryant Family (Basketball)
Kobe and Sharia Bryant While Kobe Bryant is more widely known for his basketball career in the
NBA, his older sister Sharia was also an athlete and had an influence on his approach to competition. Kobe
admired Sharia’s accomplishments and saw her as a strong competitor, even though she pursued a different
sport. Their bond grew through shared athletic experiences and Kobe often spoke about how his sister’s
determination shaped his own mindset in sports.

26. •Only a handful of studies examine how romantic or marital partners shape athletic participation
(Dionigi et al. 2012; Jowett 2003; Jowett and Cramer 2009)
•Spouse’s involvement affects the following
oProviding emotional support (encouragement, understanding)
oLogistical support (taking care of children while athletes compete)
oEngaging in training or physical activities alongwith
oBe a role model
oGenerally allowing the athletes to continue their participation without questioning or
complaining
•Balance between sports and relations need conscious effort
Role of Spouses in Sports

27. •Influence of romantic relationships on athletes’ performance and well-being
(Jowett and Cramer ,2009)
oEffective relationships - enhanced interpersonal commitment, communication,
and reduced hostile interactions, reported greater satisfaction with their sport
participation
oNegative spillovers between the two aspects affected both - romantic
relationship quality and the athletes’ satisfaction with sport
oHigher levels of romantic commitment and negative interactions indirectly
increase depressive symptoms and reduce sport satisfaction
Role of Spouses in Sports

28. Emotional and Mental Support
•Moral Support A spouse often plays a crucial role in an athlete's emotional well-being, providing
stability, love and encouragement, which are vital in dealing with the pressures of competitive sports.
They offer an emotional anchor during both successes and setbacks.
•Motivation and Encouragement A supportive spouse motivates the athlete to maintain focus and
persevere through challenges. This support is especially crucial during recovery from injuries or periods
of poor performance.
Practical Support
•Logistics and Caregiving A spouse may handle day-to-day logistics, such as organizing travel for
competitions, managing schedules or caring for children if the athlete has a family. This allows the
athlete to focus on their training and performance without worrying about domestic responsibilities.
•Diet and Health Management Spouses can often be partners in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They
might help prepare nutritious meals or participate in fitness activities, contributing to an athlete’s
overall well-being and performance.
Role of Spouses in Sports

29. Shared Goals and Sacrifices
•Understanding Sacrifices Spouses often share in the sacrifices required for an athlete’s
career, including time apart due to training or competitions. Their understanding and
willingness to make sacrifices for the athlete's goals can strengthen the partnership and
help the athlete stay focused.
•Pressure Management Spouses can provide a safe space to talk about the pressures of
being a professional athlete, which is crucial for mental health. They can also help an
athlete stay grounded during both triumphs and challenges, offering a perspective beyond
the sport
Conflict and Strain
•Balancing Personal and Professional Life While spouses are generally supportive, the
demands of an athlete's career can sometimes strain relationships. Time away from home,
long training hours, or differing priorities may create tension. Spouses must find ways to
balance the athlete’s career ambitions with the health of their relationship.
Role of Spouses in Sports

30. David and Victoria Beckham (Football and Fashion)
•Influence on Career: David Beckham, one of the most famous footballers globally, has credited his wife, Victoria
Beckham, for helping him both personally and professionally. Victoria, a former pop star turned successful fashion
designer, has been an integral part of David's career, offering advice on how to manage his image and navigate the
public spotlight. She helped David stay grounded during challenging times, such as his time at Real Madrid and the
controversy surrounding his transfer to LA Galaxy.
•Their relationship shows a partnership where both have influenced each other’s careers. Victoria's savvy in managing
public relations helped David maintain a strong brand, especially as he transitioned to a new phase of his career in the
U.S. and post-retirement.
Role of Spouses in Sports

31. Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perelló (Tennis)
•Influence on Career Rafael Nadal, one of the most successful tennis players of all time, has been with his wife, Xisca
Perelló (also known as Maria Francisca Perelló), for many years. Xisca has played a significant role in helping Nadal
maintain his focus, especially during difficult seasons. While she is not publicly involved in tennis management, she
provides crucial emotional support and helps Nadal manage the pressures of fame.
•Public Example Throughout Nadal’s career, he has maintained a relatively private life, largely due to Xisca’s influence.
Their relationship is seen as stable and grounded, with Xisca helping Nadal navigate the challenges that come with
being a global sports icon. Their quiet, supportive relationship has allowed Nadal to focus on his tennis, which has
contributed to his incredible longevity in the sport.
Role of Spouses in Sports

32. Impact of coaches and peer relationships

33. Role of Coaches in Sports

34. Coaches’ Role:
•Serve as mentors and motivators.
•Teach technical skills while nurturing emotional resilience.
•Bridge the gap between family and team environments.
•Improve overall mental well-Being and Sports Character of the athlete
•SUCCESS
Coaches as Significant Others

35. Coaches as Significant Others
Effective Coaching Behaviors
•Build trust through empathy and fairness.
•Tailor feedback to individual needs.
•Prioritize development over immediate
results.
Contrast: Positive coaching vs. authoritarian
methods
Negative Coaching Behaviors
•Excessive criticism damages self-esteem.
•Favoritism disrupts team cohesion.
•Unethical practices erode trust.
Solution: Encourage regular evaluation of
coaching styles.
Characteristics of Effective Coaches

36. Peer Impact:
•Teammates often motivate and challenge each other.
•Peer support builds camaraderie and belonging.
•Negative peer pressure may distract from goals.
Role of Peers in Sport

37. Team Dynamics
•Shared goals and mutual respect enhance performance.
•Leadership roles (e.g., captains) provide direction.
•Positive culture mitigates conflicts.

Role of Team in Sports

38. Importance of Social Support Networks

39. Social Support Networks
Definition: A group of people providing practical and emotional resources.
Types: Family, friends, coaches, mentors, psychologists.
Support systems act as a safety net during setbacks.
Social Support in Sports

40. Benefits of Social Support
•Reduces performance anxiety and stress.
•Fosters resilience during injury or failure.
•Creates a sense of belonging and security.
Challenges in Social Support
•Misaligned expectations between supporters and athletes.
•Over-reliance on one person or group.
•Difficulty accessing resources (e.g., mental health professionals).
Social Support in Sports

41. Strategies for families
•Encourage and praise the child’s development & improvement in sport (rather than performance outcome),
•Focus on having fun and on learning new skills and techniques (Smoll, Cumming, and Smith 2011)
•Provide the athletes constructive and honest feedback, - limited to technical and tactical information
•Encourage children to engage in activities away from their chosen sport & create a balance (Genevois 2011)
•Not discuss sport-related topics during family time, especially if they have other children not invested in sport
Strategies for coaches
•Open channels of communication with parents to allow for constructive & meaningful relations (Smoll 2011).
•Preseason meetings with parents to outline their coaching philosophy, expectations, and rules of engagement
(Harwood 2011).
•Discuss the child’s development with parents in the presence of the child
•Sport psychologist may also be involved in these discussions to act as a mediator or facilitator, to reduce or
minimise any potential confl ict or hostility, and to contribute to the conflict resolution process (Smoll et al.
2011)..
Coaches and parents should form a partnership or a support team to reinforce each other’s
contribution. (Wolfenden and holt 2005)
Strategies to enhance Social Support

42. Strategies for Peers
•Encourage collaboration and support.
•Address conflicts proactively to maintain team harmony.
•Promote positive peer pressure to motivate performance.
Sport Organisations And National Governing Bodies
•Develop guidelines,
•Set up workshops, and
•Provide information booklets aimed at educating families, enhancing their
understanding of their role in the athlete’s development
•Providing strategies on how they can maximise their positive contribution.
Strategies to enhance Social Support

43. •Family and significant others play a
pivotal role in athlete development.
•Balanced involvement is essential to
avoid negative effects.
•Positive peer and coach relationships
enhance performance and resilience.
Conclusion

49. ROLE OF SIBLINGS
The influence of siblings and spouses in sports can play a significant role in an athlete's development,
motivation, and performance. Both groups contribute to an individual's sporting journey in various ways from
emotional support to practical involvement.
Early Exposure and Competition
Modeling Behavior: Siblings often serve as the first role models, particularly older siblings. Younger
siblings may look up to them and emulate their behavior, which can spark an interest in sports. Siblings
may encourage each other to try different activities, creating a competitive but supportive environment.
Sibling Rivalry: Healthy rivalry can motivate athletes to push themselves harder. This competition often
starts in childhood, where siblings engage in informal challenges, helping them develop athletic skills. However,
excessive rivalry can also create stress and resentment.
Support and Encouragement
Emotional Support: Siblings provide an essential support system. Whether it's celebrating achievements
or helping to cope with setbacks, siblings often understand each other deeply and can offer encouragement that
coaches or teammates might not.
Shared Experiences: Athletes who have siblings in sports may share training routines, games, and
competitions. This can strengthen their bond and provide opportunities for mutual encouragement and
understanding.

50. ROLE OF SIBLINGS
Sharing Knowledge and Advice
Skill Development Siblings can help each other improve in sports by practicing together or sharing tips.
The comfort of family relationships makes it easier to provide honest feedback and offer suggestions.
Adapting Strategies Older siblings might offer advice on handling difficult situations, such as intense
competition, managing injuries, or dealing with coaching strategies.
Allyson and Camille Adams (Track and Field)
Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning
(American Football)
The Murray Brothers
(Tennis)

51. Venus and Serena Williams (Tennis)
Early Competition and Inspiration Venus and Serena Williams are perhaps one of the most famous
examples of siblings who influenced each other’s success in sports. Their father, Richard Williams, coached
them from a young age, and they often practiced and competed against each other. Their rivalry on the tennis
court, especially when they faced off in major finals, has been a driving force behind their motivation to
improve. Serena has often spoken about how her older sister Venus inspired her to become a professional player
and motivated her to keep improving.
Support and Encouragement Despite their fierce competition, both sisters have been each other's
biggest supporters. Venus has been a role model for Serena, and Serena has said that Venus’ resilience has
inspired her to push through challenges in her own career.
ROLE OF SIBLINGS

52. ROLE OF SIBLINGS
The Bryant Family (Basketball)
Kobe and Sharia Bryant While Kobe Bryant is more widely known for his basketball career in the
NBA, his older sister Sharia was also an athlete and had an influence on his approach to competition. Kobe
admired Sharia’s accomplishments and saw her as a strong competitor, even though she pursued a different
sport. Their bond grew through shared athletic experiences and Kobe often spoke about how his sister’s
determination shaped his own mindset in sports.

53. ROLE OF SPOUSE
Practical Support
Logistics and Caregiving A spouse may handle day-to-day logistics, such as organizing travel for
competitions, managing schedules or caring for children if the athlete has a family. This allows the athlete to
focus on their training and performance without worrying about domestic responsibilities.
Diet and Health Management Spouses can often be partners in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
They might help prepare nutritious meals or participate in fitness activities, contributing to an athlete’s overall
well-being and performance.
Emotional and Mental Support
Moral Support A spouse often plays a crucial role in an athlete's emotional well-being, providing stability,
love and encouragement, which are vital in dealing with the pressures of competitive sports. They offer an
emotional anchor during both successes and setbacks.
Motivation and Encouragement A supportive spouse motivates the athlete to maintain focus and
persevere through challenges. This support is especially crucial during recovery from injuries or periods of poor
performance.

54. ROLE OF SPOUSE
Conflict and Strain
Balancing Personal and Professional Life While spouses are generally supportive, the demands
of an athlete's career can sometimes strain relationships. Time away from home, long training hours, or
differing priorities may create tension. Spouses must find ways to balance the athlete’s career ambitions with
the health of their relationship.
Shared Goals and Sacrifices
Understanding Sacrifices Spouses often share in the sacrifices required for an athlete’s career,
including time apart due to training or competitions. Their understanding and willingness to make sacrifices for
the athlete's goals can strengthen the partnership and help the athlete stay focused.
Pressure Management Spouses can provide a safe space to talk about the pressures of being a
professional athlete, which is crucial for mental health. They can also help an athlete stay grounded during both
triumphs and challenges, offering a perspective beyond the sport.

55. ROLE OF SPOUSE
David and Victoria Beckham (Football and Fashion)
Influence on Career: David Beckham, one of the most famous footballers globally, has credited his wife,
Victoria Beckham, for helping him both personally and professionally. Victoria, a former pop star turned
successful fashion designer, has been an integral part of David's career, offering advice on how to manage his
image and navigate the public spotlight. She helped David stay grounded during challenging times, such as his
time at Real Madrid and the controversy surrounding his transfer to LA Galaxy.
Their relationship shows a partnership where both have influenced each other’s careers. Victoria's savvy in
managing public relations helped David maintain a strong brand, especially as he transitioned to a new phase of
his career in the U.S. and post-retirement.

56. ROLE OF SPOUSE
Rafael Nadal and XiscaPerelló(Tennis)
Influence on Career Rafael Nadal, one of the most successful tennis players of all time, has been with his
wife, Xisca Perelló (also known as Maria Francisca Perelló), for many years. Xisca has played a significant role in
helping Nadal maintain his focus, especially during difficult seasons. While she is not publicly involved in tennis
management, she provides crucial emotional support and helps Nadal manage the pressures of fame.
Public Example Throughout Nadal’s career, he has maintained a relatively private life, largely due to Xisca’s
influence. Their relationship is seen as stable and grounded, with Xisca helping Nadal navigate the challenges
that come with being a global sports icon. Their quiet, supportive relationship has allowed Nadal to focus on his
tennis, which has contributed to his incredible longevity in the sport.