Parent-child communication and the psychosocial qualities of competitive junior tennis players

grantor: University of TorontoStudy has revealed that parental attitudes and behaviors as well as parent-child communication play a significant role in a young athlete's psychosocial development. Using a group of seven competitive junior tennis players between the ages of nine and fourteen, and their parents, this study focused on four areas. Firstly it sought to examine which parental behaviours had an effect on the psychosocial development, training, and performance of competitive junior tennis players. The second purpose was to assess the impact of a parent-child communication enhancement program designed for families involved in competitive junior tennis on the psychosocial elements of ' competitive anxiety, sport confidence and sport enjoyment'. Thirdly, it explored the efficacy of the communication-enhancement program. Finally, it set out to explore issues considered significant by youth competitive tennis players and their parents.M.Sc