Stress Among Parents: A Study On Children’s Involvement In Road Racing

Abstract

Malaysian road racers compete in international stages such as MotoGP and Asia Road Racing Championship, indicating a commitment to grow motorcycle racing talent. Therefore, there is a need to study stress among parents of road racers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how parents cope with stress associated with their children’s participation in road racing. Data were collected through 15 structured interviews with parents who actively support their children’s involvement in this sport, exploring parental stress and coping strategies. Results suggest that parents of children in motorsports often experienced substantial stress associated with watching their children engage in this sport. Yet, observing their children’s passion toward racing appeared to outweigh many of the potential dangers. All respondents expressed complete confidence in their own children’s skills and abilities in a motorcycle race; however, almost half of the participants (47%) stated that their primary concern was the fear that their children may be harmed as a result of other rider’s behavior or negligence on the track. This circumstance could jeopardize the health and sporting career of the children. About 73% of the parents identified the economic costs of financing their children in this sport, as they were their children’s sole financier, as the most common stressor associated with supporting youth athlete. One form of coping used by the majority of parents (67%) was to withdraw themselves from race activities and the stressors associated with race preparations. The proactive steps of parents, coaches, managers and sports agencies like the Ministry of Youth and Sports are required to better manage this issue, considering parents are the first and most lasting support system of a racer up to a more serious point of the racer’s career. Indeed, a road racer needs adequate knowledge and experience and a supportive environment to accomplish his or her goals and ensure a long-lasting career.