Interactions between Soccer Competence and Prosociality in Childhood

Abstract

Interactions between the development of soccer competence and prosociality in childhood were examined based on follow-up data on parenting attitudes as a moderator variable. The data were collected in homes for two years. The data were analyzed, and results of cross-lagged effect analysis using structural equation modeling indicated positive correlations from competence to future competence and from prosociality to future prosociality, regardless of parenting attitudes. Moreover, prosociality was able to positively predict future competence under autonomy-supportive parenting, which was defined as parenting attitudes of leaving choices and judgments to the children while the parents focus on watching over the children, which was not the case under parent-centered parenting, which was defined as parenting attitudes opposite to that of autonomy-supportive parenting. The above results suggest that soccer competence can be improved as a result of prosociality, as well as by autonomy-supportive parenting attitudes at home as a background factor. It is considered important to maintain warm and consistent parenting attitudes for encouraging children’s development as a part of the parental role of supporting the healthy development of children from childhood to adolescence through sports activities. Moreover, the necessity for conducting longitudinal studies to clarify the above process is discussed.