Parental involvement and dual career competency in adolescent athletes: A motivation-based model

This study examined the impact of parental involvement on adolescent athletes’ dual career competency and the mediating role of motivational dimensions based on Self-Determination Theory. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 489 licensed athletes aged 12-18 years participating in individual and team sports in Rize, Türkiye. Participants completed measures of parental involvement, sport motivation, and dual career competency. Structural equation modeling tested direct and indirect relationships, while confirmatory factor analyses supported acceptable model fit for all measures. Supportive parental behavior and role modeling positively predicted intrinsic motivation, whereas directive behavior predicted identified regulation. Pressuring and controlling behavior was positively associated with amotivation. Intrinsic motivation positively predicted time management and self-regulation, identified regulation predicted academic-athletic balance, and amotivation negatively predicted time management. Mediation analyses showed that motivational dimensions partially mediated the relationships between parental involvement dimensions and dual career competency dimensions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that supportive parental involvement and adaptive motivational profiles contribute to adolescent athletes’ academic and athletic development.