Dyadic Examination of Parental Support, Basic Needs Satisfaction, and Student–Athlete Development During Emerging Adulthood

Using self-determination theory and the theory of emerging adulthood as frameworks, the present study investigated dyadic associations for the effect of parental support on college student–athletes’ need satisfaction, and the effect of need satisfaction on student–athletes’ adjustment. Fifty NCAA Division I student–athletes and a corresponding parent (N = 50) completed online surveys. Student–athletes’ and parents reported parental support (i.e., parental responsiveness and basic needs satisfaction) and student–athletes’ reported college adjustment (i.e., academic self-efficacy, athletic satisfaction, and individuation). Interpersonal models demonstrated both parent and student–athlete reported parental responsiveness was associated with higher levels of need satisfaction. Student–athlete reports of need satisfaction was related to reduced emotional independence, while parental reports of need satisfaction were related to enhanced academic self-efficacy. Findings support the central role of parental support for student–athletes in college; however, negotiating the balance between providing support and encouraging emotional independence remains a challenge for parents.