Interpersonal Perfectionism and Perceived Control’s Influence on the Continuity of Sports Practice in Adolescents

Based on the theory of planned behavior, the objective was to test a theoretical model that explains the intention to continue practicing sports among adolescents currently involved in sports practice in Mexicali based on factors that generate perceived social pressure to be perfect (perceived descriptive norm) and that lead to internal factors of perceived control (perceived competence, general self-concept, and enjoyment). A battery of questionnaires that measured the study variables was applied to 195 adolescent athletes of both sexes. The causal model with observed variables rejected part of the hypothesis since the athletes’ perception that their parents impose high performance expectations on them and that they criticize them when these expectations are not achieved was not associated with the athletes’ perceived competence. Meanwhile, perceived coach pressure was positively associated with perceived competence, suggesting that it may be adaptive. This also suggests that perceived competence favors the intention to continue practicing sports both directly and indirectly through self-concept and enjoyment. In conclusion, boys involved in sports will have the intention to continue practicing if they perceive that their closest social references demand that they be perfect in the sport and when they perceive themselves to be able to do it effectively. Meanwhile, girls will have the intention to continue in sports practice if, in addition, they have a better general self-concept and enjoy the activity. Therefore, an important task for coaches, in order to encourage the continuation of sport in adolescents, is to promote the perception of qualities, skills and abilities toward sport.