Examining the Activity-Related Correlates of Latine Parent Support of Adolescents in Organized Afterschool Activities

Objective: This study examined the relations between Latine parent perceptions of their seventh grade adolescents’ organized afterschool activity and their support of adolescents’ participation in these organized afterschool activities; and, whether these relations varied based on the organized afterschool activity’s ethnic cultural features. Background: Although parent support bolsters adolescents’ success in multiple contexts, including organized afterschool activities, we know little about what promotes parent support. Method: Using data on Latine parent perceptions (N = 143) of their support (17 items), of organized afterschool activities (8 items) and ethnic cultural features (7 items), linear regression models were used to evaluate the hypothesized relations among study variables. Results: Latine parent perceptions of activity outreach and satisfaction with organized afterschool activity leaders were positively associated with parent verbal encouragement, instrumental support, and activity connections. The associations between parent satisfaction with the leaders, and their verbal encouragement and instrumental support varied based on their perceptions of the organized afterschool activity’s ethnic cultural content and respect. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that organized afterschool activities may promote Latine parent support through outreach and by ensuring parent satisfaction with activity leaders, and organized afterschool activities that represent families’ ethnic cultural backgrounds may help promote stronger connections with families. Implications: Our findings can inform how organized afterschool activities and families can collaborate to best support Latine adolescent development.