Parenting and Motocross: The Whoops and Downs

Abstract

Many studies address the influences of parenting and contextual factors on child development (Belsky, 1984). Although long-term contextual factors such as poverty and abuse have been shown to be associated with both parent and child behaviors (La Placa & Corlyon, 2016;Salzinger et al, 2002), little research exists on the degree to which short-term situational contexts may affect child behavior. The goal of this study is to identify the influence of parenting behavior on child response after a competitive motocross race. Survey data was collected from 33 parents at several child/adolescent competitions held at a motocross track. First, results indicated that hostility exhibited by the trackside parent, or the parent that spends the most time with their child trackside, at a motocross race was positively related to their child crying after a competition. Additionally, achievement orientation and family cohesion were both positively related to having a child celebrate after the race. Results also show that some situational factors have an influence on child behavior over and above the influence of the family environment factors. Specifically, trackside parent hostility significantly predicts crying after a race. This work informs the literature on the degree to which short-term situational contexts may affect child behavior, as well as provides insight into parent-child relationships within the context of motocross.

The effect of event experience quality on the satisfaction and behavioral intentions of motocross World Championship spectators

“…The popularity of motocross is increasing day by day and growing rapidly around the world (Holst and Stuhlsatz, 2017). There are over 200 clubs in the UK and more than 900 events are organized annually (AMCA, 2019).…”

“…There are over 200 clubs in the UK and more than 900 events are organized annually (AMCA, 2019). In 2016, more than seven million people watched professional races in 498,304 live broadcasts, and 277,280 people participated actively in the races (Holst and Stuhlsatz, 2017). In 2018, the World Motocross Championship was broadcast in 180 countries, 64 of which aired live broadcasts (Turkey Motorcycle Federation [TMF], 2019).…”