Qualitative Study of Parent–Adolescent Interactions Regarding Participation in Physical Activity and Sports

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Sport Management and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Abstract
In the context of the increasing decrease in physical activity among adolescents due to urbanization and technological development, this qualitative study was conducted with the aim of investigating parental interactions with adolescents in the field of physical activity and sports in Kerman city. The present study was conducted with an exploratory approach and field method, with the participation of 14 parents and 14 adolescents with a history of sports activity who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed seven main themes in parental interactions: family support, role modeling, methods of encouragement, time management, parental expectations, participation in decision-making, and flexibility. In parental interactions from the adolescents' perspective, nine main themes were identified: family support, personal motivations, family interactions, barriers to participation, time management, the role of the environment, positive experiences, independence, and pressure expectations. The results showed that the interaction between parents and adolescents is a two-way and dynamic relationship, and comprehensive parental support, along with recognizing the independence of adolescents, plays a decisive role in institutionalizing physical activity and strengthening their intrinsic motivation. This study emphasizes the need to design family interventions based on strengthening constructive communication and respecting the autonomy of adolescents to sustainably promote an active lifestyle.

Keywords

Subjects


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 August 2026

  • Receive Date 23 October 2025
  • Revise Date 06 August 2026
  • Accept Date 23 August 2026