An investigation to determine the influence of the parent(s) in determining KS4 pupils level of participation in sport and physical activity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the parent upon KS4 pupil’s level of participation in physical activity. The investigation endeavoured to establish the extent to which adolescents perceive parental influence as responsible for their physical activity behaviours. Additionally, the study intended to examine a number of concepts, including several major socialising agents, adolescent perceptions of positive and negative parental influence, and parent-child relationships according to gender. A questionnaire was devised and administered to 30 male and 30 female adolescents currently studying at KS4 level secondary education in Caerleon Comprehensive School, Newport. The questionnaires data were entered into the SNAP 8.0 software package and consequently analysed and discussed. Relevant findings and significant relationships were clearly and coherently illustrated in the form of tables and charts using SNAP 8.0 and Microsoft Excel. The study concluded that parent(s) play an integral role in the ongoing socialisation of adolescents into sport and activity. It was further established that the influence of the peers should not be underestimated, since adolescents cited friends as the most positive influence on their own physical activity level. Future research should target differences between single and dual-parent homes using a wider demographic. Parent-reported activity should be implemented and analysed to produce more reliable findings.