Competencias parentales, nivel de práctica deportiva y sentido de la vida en deportistas jóvenes

The objective was to compare the degree of “meaning in life” of teenagers, as a motivational factor, depending on their level of practice, as well as to analyze differences in meaning, related to their perception of their parents' behaviors. 407 adolescents participated (52% women, 48% men), with an average age of 15.6 years (SD = 3.14), middle school, high school and training cycle students, who responded questionnaires to measure the variables. Results: (a) the meaning progresses gradually, from the level of intra-school physical education to the high competition (η² from 0.019 to 0.023), (b) when young people perceive that parental behavior is very focused on the result and the comparison of performance with companions, the sense declines; and increases when they perceive that it focuses on learning and fun. (c) Gender differences are observed between boys and girls (r_b = -0,125) and no differences in the gender of the parents.