Interpersonal emotions in team sports

Abstract

This research explores how emotional contagion within a team impacts emotions, team cohesion, collective efficacy perception, effort perception, perceived performance, and actual performance outcomes. Forty-seven non-competitive amateur cross-fit participants were split into two experimental groups: high pleasantness-high arousal (HH) and low pleasantness-low arousal (LL). To stimulate these mood states, two trained associates were engaged, which served as catalysts for the teams' "emotional contagion". Participants from the HH group outperformed and exerted more effort than those from the LL group, though they perceived their effort levels to be similar. They demonstrated greater collective efficacy and team cohesion, had a more positive emotional state, and perceived their team's performance as superior. Emotional contagion plays a significant role in team dynamics and physical outcomes. The practical implications of emotional contagion are discussed.