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Abstract
In response to recent research and media exposure that parents are a source of pressure for children participating in athletics, this study was conducted to compare parental behaviors associated with pressure and support among urban and rural adolescents. Male (n = 5) and female (n = 44) undergraduate students at the University of Georgia completed an online, modified version of the Parental Involvement in Sports Questionnaire (PISQ) designed to assess perceived frequency and desirability of parental directive behaviors, praise and understanding, and active involvement. A series of one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed no differences in frequency of behaviors between urban and rural groups but significant differences in desirability of behaviors between groups. Perceived resources for extracurricular activities and involvement in activities outside of athletics were also assessed.