Recent research sheds light on the significant influence of parenting attitudes on the development and transfer of life skills among student-athletes, particularly within the cultural framework of South Korea.
A study involving 355 high school athletes registered with the Korea Olympic Committee found clear associations between how parents interact with their children and the athletes’ ability to develop and apply life skills learned through their sports experiences. These findings are particularly relevant as sports are seen not just as competitive activities but as environments for personal growth and development.
The research, published on April 17, 2025, highlights how positive parenting—characterized by warmth, autonomy support, and structured guidance—directly predicts both the fulfillment of basic psychological needs and the development of life skills. Conversely, negative parenting attitudes, including criticism and over-control, were shown to hinder skills development significantly.
Study participants, aged 16 to 18 years old and engaged in various sports including Taekwondo, soccer, and basketball, reported how their parents’ attitudes impacted their performance and personal growth. With most students actively competing at national levels, the research positioned these athletes as pivotal examples of how effective parenting can shape future successes beyond sports.
Life skills, defined as the psychological and emotional competencies necessary for personal success, are often intimately linked to how supportive parents are of their children’s autonomy and individuality. The study noted, “Parents play a direct or indirect role in the development and transfer of life skills among student-athletes by satisfying their basic psychological needs.” Such insights can help inform training programs aimed at fostering positive youth development (PYD).
This research arrives as part of growing literature focusing on the role of parents, which has historically been overshadowed by studies examining the influence of coaches. The findings forge new pathways, emphasizing the need for awareness of how parenting behaviors affect youth athletes, especially when they are undergoing rapid psychosocial development.
Fundamentally, the study indicates effective parental attitudes can promote life skills transfer, where skills developed through sports can be employed successfully outside of athletic contexts—at school, home, and within the community. This transfer is deemed significant for achieving the true aims of sports-based PYD initiatives.
Researchers have increasingly emphasized not just the importance of design and implementation of youth sports programs but also the involvement and training of parents participating actively and positively. Such guidelines can lead to effective outcomes not just for the athletes but for family dynamics as well.
Conclusion drawn from the study allows for broader discussions about the development of practical parenting guidelines to support student-athletes. Encouraging parents to adopt positive styles emphasizes warmth, autonomy support, and clear, consistent expectations.
Future research is encouraged to explore the dynamics of parenting attitudes across diverse sports and cultural contexts, which would contribute to the broader applicability of the findings. Greater comprehension of parental roles and effective involvement can serve as winning strategies for empowering youth athletes on and off the field.