What role does parental control have in the lives of student athletes?

Parental control plays a significant role in shaping the experiences and development of student athletes. When parents exert a high level of control, it can diminish the autonomy of the young athletes by imposing decisions on them regarding their sports participation, training regimens, and even the level of commitment they should have. This lack of autonomy can create pressure and may lead to stress, as the athletes might feel obligated to meet their parents' expectations rather than their own personal goals or interests in the sport.

Additionally, this diminished sense of independence can impact their overall development, including their ability to make decisions, manage their time, and escalate their self-esteem. While it may often come from a place of care and a desire to ensure success, excessive parental control can hinder student athletes from developing the self-discipline and resilience necessary for both sports and life beyond competition.

The impact of parental control contrasts with the idea that it enhances performance, affects sports participation, or is solely focused on academic success. Each of these elements, while important, does not adequately capture the primary effect that an overly controlling parental approach can have on the self-efficacy and independence of student athletes.