Group Environment Questionnaire Research Articles

A Comparative Study of Team Dynamics among Different Level of Football Players

Team dynamics are the unconscious, psychological forces that influence the direction of a team’s behaviour and performance (Myers, 2013). The purpose of the present study was to compare the team dynamics among male football players of U-15, U-17 and senior level. The Team Dynamics of 90 male state and national level football players were collected through the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ). To determine the difference of Team Dynamics level among players One-Way ANOVA was used for determining the differences across groups and was tested at 0.05 level. The results revealed that there was a significant difference found in the sub factors of team dynamics such as Attraction to Group Social, Attraction to Group Task, Group Integration Social among the levels but significant difference was not seen in the sub-factor of Group Integration Task. Also, results showed that the U-17 football players had significantly high scores on all the sub-factors of team dynamics as compared to the other two levels or groups.

Effective Communication and Group Cohesiveness in the Outdoor Recreation Program Curriculum

This research endeavor seeks to explore the correlation between effective communication and group cohesiveness within the framework of outdoor recreational programs' curriculum. The study delves into the two fundamental components of effective communication: external perception encompassing clarity and information dissemination, and internal dissemination focusing on conflict resolution. In addition, the analysis of group cohesiveness entails an examination of four dimensions: individual attractions towards the group in social contexts (ATG-S), individual attractions towards the group in task-oriented settings (ATG-T), group integration-social (GI-S) and group integration-task (GI-T). A set of questionnaires based on Interpersonal Communication Skills (ICS) and Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) was completed by 100 students who took an outdoor recreation program. The respondent in this study consists of male (n=58) and female (n=42) respondents. The result revealed that external perception is positively associated with group integration social (GI-S) but negatively associated with individual attraction to the group task (ATG-T). Internal disseverance is not associated with individual attraction to the group social (ATG-S) and group integration task (GI-T). Conversely, negatively associated with group integration social (GI-S) and individual attraction to the group task (ATG-T). The findings underscore the complex interplay between external factors (such as perception) and internal group dynamics (such as conflict management) in shaping overall group cohesiveness and member engagement. These findings could help students and academicians understand the elements of group cohesiveness which can lead to more effective group work and improved learning experience for better educational achievement.

The effects of music on group motivation and team cohesion among novice to intermediate collegiate rowers

Within university level sport, the opportunity to form friendships, connect and create a sense of enjoyment is fundamental to the student experience. The use of music has been shown to have a positive motivational influence within individual and group physical activity settings when engaging in anaerobic activities. Furthermore, team cohesion can be positively influenced by group music self-selection. Within rowing, music with a high number of beats per minute (bpm) has shown to positively affect performance on an indoor rowing machine. Research within this area has primarily provided its focus towards exercisers or teams within an elite performance setting. Therefore, the aims of this study were to explore whether the introduction of music, through group self-selection and playback can have a positive effect upon the group motivation and team cohesion on novice to intermediate level university rowers when encountering a team anaerobic activity. Twenty novice and intermediate university-level rowers from the same participating university rowing club completed the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) and subsequently a team relay of 2000 m, rowing 500 m each in groups of four, with no music stimulus. Eleven music tracks were selected based upon favoured bands or genres of those rowers, and that they contained at least 152 bpm. Tracks were subsequently presented to the participants who were asked to rate the effectiveness of the audio in terms of motivation and cohesion using the Brunel Group Music Rating Inventory (BGMRI). These scores determined the order of the tracks played for the repeat of the team relay. Once completed, the GEQ was readministered. All measures were used in conjunction with institutional ethics approval (33249-A-Feb/2024- 50074-1). A repeated measures MANOVA analysis found a positive difference in one of the four subscales of the GEQ, Group Integration – Social (GI-S; P = 0.03) F1,19 = 5.54, P < 0.05, Hp2 = 0.27). Surprisingly, a supplementary t-test demonstrated a negative difference in the average number of strokes per minute (spm) during the relay t19 = 2.85, P = 0.01. Whilst the data does not replicate previously reported findings when introducing music to anaerobic indoor rowing training, the significant improvement in GI-S scores highlight some real-world implications. With an understanding of the importance of social cohesion in a university environment and the crucial impact sport can create, there is potential to develop a more robust intervention as a social tool first, before becoming a performance enhancement mechanism.

Perception of coach leadership style as a predictor of team cohesion in elite women’s touch rugby

Coach leadership style can hold a bearing on the development of a cohesive and integrated team, which can influence performance goals. Cohesion, as explored in Chelladurai’s Multidimensional Model of Leadership (MML), is defined as the ability for a team to remain united in the pursuit of shared goals (Burke et al., 2014, In Beauchamp & Eyes (Eds.) Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology (pp. 213). Taylor & Francis). To date, numerous studies have explored the impact of coach leadership styles on team cohesion, typically inferring detrimental effects of autocratic leadership styles. However, there is limited research conducted with an elite female sample, particularly in amateur international competition settings. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between perceived leadership behaviour and team cohesion within the Scotland women’s team at the European Touch Rugby Championships in 2022. Accordingly, it was hypothesised that: H1 Leadership behaviours of training and instruction, social support, positive feedback and democratic leadership would be positive predictors of task cohesion, and H2 Autocratic leadership behaviour would be negative predictors of both social and task cohesion. After securing institutional ethical approval (Ref: 33249-A-Nov/2023-47988-1) and permission from the board of Scottish Touch Association, members of the Scotland Women’s team competing at the European Championships in 2022 were contacted to take part in the study (N= 15). Participants completed the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) that assessed coach leadership behaviours and the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) that assessed cohesion. Data were checked for univariate outliers and the Mahalanobis test revealed no multivariate outliers. Skewness and kurtosis established normality and multiple regression analyses was used to predict cohesion from the five LSS subscales. Overall, no significant results were found for ATGT (F5, 9 = 0.56, P > 0.05), ATGS (F5, 9 = 1.27, P > 0.05), GIT (F5, 9 = 0.66, P > 0.05), and GIS (F5, 9 = 0.70, P > 0.05). In conclusion, athlete perceived leadership did not predict team cohesion, but the direction of relationships between factors partially aligns with previous research and indicates that research with a larger sample of female elite athletes is warranted under non-retrospective conditions. Further research with female samples has the potential to provide insights into the intricate relationship between leadership and cohesion, which could improve performance for elite female teams.

Comparing group cohesion in interactive and coactive exercise classes

Exercise classes are provided in the majority of gym memberships and provide both physical activity and social interactions. By exploring group cohesion, whether members feel part of a group when exercising. This study aims to add to current research by investigating the extent in which group cohesion differs in those who attend, an interactive group exercise class compared to those who attend a coactive group exercise class. 10 members from a pump class and 10 members from a circuit class were asked about their levels of group cohesion using the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire. Results revealed that there was a higher group cohesion level in the circuits class compared to the pump class. However, there was no significant differences between classes when investigating individual attraction to group-task. The results provide implications on which exercise classes a gym should run to encourage exercise and social behaviours.

Effects of Square Stepping Exercise on cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults: A center-based hybrid trial

BackgroundThe Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) is an exercise training program that integrates physical exercise and cognitive elements and can be conducted in a group setting. The potential of SSE in delaying cognitive decline in older adults is promising. However, the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult for older adults worldwide to exercise together in person. To address this issue, this study conducted a wholistic evaluation of the effects of a center-based hybrid SSE trial on cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults.MethodsA total of 93 older adults (19 men, 74 women) participated in the study. Fifty-eight participants (9 men, 49 women) completed center-based hybrid SSE sessions over 12 weeks under coronavirus pandemic circumstances, whereas other 35 participants in the control group maintained their current level of daily activities. Cognitive functions focused on executive functions assessed by the Stroop Color-Word Test (inhibition) and the Trail Marking Test (TMT) (set-shifting). Psychological and group functioning were assessed by the Subjective Vitality Scale and the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire. Physical function was evaluated by measuring gait speeds. A repeated ANOVA was conducted on the measured variables separately for the intervention and control groups to focus on the change of participant’s performance over data collection points.ResultsOutcomes of the Stroop Color-Word Test and the TMT revealed that the hybrid SSE was highly effective in improving executive function. Stroop performance (correct trials) was significantly improved in the incongruent condition, as well as both TMT-A and -B over the intervention period in the intervention group. The hybrid SSE was also beneficial to improve physical (gait speed at usual pace and at the maximum pace) as well as psychological functioning (subjective vitality). Furthermore, SSE participants reported increased engagement with the SSE task, social communication, and increased bonding and closeness with their group members through the hybrid SSE.ConclusionsIn this study, hybrid SSE was found to be effective in enhancing cognitive, physical, psychological, and group functioning in sedentary older adults. The findings of this study are crucial to provide older adults with a safer and efficient option to exercise.

Balancing between Team and Organisation: The Relationship between Stakeholders’ Influence and Trust and Cohesion in Post-transitional South-East European Basketball Teams

This explorative study examines whether the involvement of different stakeholders in South-East European basketball team activities significantly correlates with two crucial constructs often reported to be predictors of well-functioning teams in interacting sports, namely trust and cohesion among team members, and discusses what might cause these relationships. The Group Environment Questionnaire and a four-dimensional “competence-benevolence-integrity-predictability” trust scale were used for a sample of 73 basketball clubs from South-Eastern Europe (559 athletes, 73 head coaches, 73 directors). Correlation analyses showed that team cohesion is in a negative relationship with the influence of media, while trust within teams positively correlates with the influence of professional athletes in team activities. The trust relationship between athletes and coach is weaker in the case of private sponsors’ interference, while the coach's trust in the athletes positively correlates with the influence of volunteers. These findings combined with the literature review show that in the context of post-transitional South-East European sport clubs’ higher level of professionalisation appears to make it easier to achieve trustworthy relationships and higher team cohesion, while an increase in private sponsors’ interference might impair the coach–athletes relationship. The study provides a robust quantitative starting point and a set of new research questions for further examination of the causality between stakeholder activities and sport team dynamics, whereas from a practical point of view it points to relationships in need of greater attention in the stakeholder management process.

Cohesion and Heterosexist Attitudes in Men’s Collegiate Athletics

While attitudes toward gay men in sport have improved, sexual prejudice persists in sport, with the potential to decrease team social bonds. We examined the relationship between heterosexist attitudes and cohesion in men’s collegiate sports. Male college athletes (N = 264) completed the Heterosexist Attitudes in Sport–Gay Men scale and the Group Environment Questionnaire. We found a significant multivariate relationship among heterosexist attitudes and cohesion, Λ = .88, F(8, 518) = 4.28, p < .001, with 10.6% overlapping variance between the two variate sets. Cognitive/affective heterosexist attitudes, attraction to group-task, group integration-task, and group integration-social contributed to the relationship. Heterosexism and sexual prejudice may serve as distractions from team objectives. Mental performance consultants working within men’s college sport should challenge negative stereotypes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals; reward inclusive efforts; and leverage team building to reduce heterosexism in sport.

The Role of Social Factors in Relative Energy Deficiency Risk for Female Collegiate Athletes

BACKGROUND: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) refers to compromised functioning of one’s metabolism, reproductive system, immune system, cardiovascular system and more due to a relative energy deficiency. Most prevailing RED-S research has focused on its physiological symptoms, yet little data exists regarding the psychological and social aspects that might contribute to its development. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of psychosocial factors in RED-S risk for female collegiate athletes. METHODS: 105 female collegiate athletes under National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) jurisdiction were surveyed representing a variety of varsity sports. All participants were assessed for low energy availability using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) through an online survey battery, which also included sources of nutrition information scale (SONI scale), the revised group environment questionnaire (GEQ), and the revised exercise group social provisions scale (EXSPS questionnaire). The participants were sorted into an At Risk (AR) and Not At Risk (NAR) group based on their LEAF-Q scores. One-tailed independent t-tests and chi square tests were used to determine the difference between AR and NAR for dependent measures, and multiple linear regression determined the relationship between risk of LEA and GEQ, EXSPS, and SONI. RESULTS: Overall, 66 participants (62.8%) were at risk for LEA based on LEAF-Q scores. Significant differences were identified between the AR (11.5%; 66.7%) and NAR (40.0%; 37.0%) groups regarding comfort with discussing nutrition with coaches or teammates, respectively (p = 0.034, p = 0.035). However, none of the social measures predicted LEA risk (group cohesion: R = 0.04, p = 0.92; social support: R = 1.85, p = 0.09; SONI: p = 0.136) Awareness of RED-S (using a Yes (1) or No (0) question) was also found to be not significantly different between the AR (0.28 ± 0.45, 29%) and NAR (0.39 ± 0.50, 41%) groups (p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Overall, risk for RED-S is high in female collegiate athletes, however group cohesion, social support, and the athletes’ sources of nutrition information did not predict RED-S incidence.

Motivation and Team Cohesion in Women Cricketers

This study investigated the connection between motivation and team unity in the context of women's cricket, involving a sample of 100 cricketers from three clubs in Lahore city, spanning ages 18 to 32. Each participant filled out two questionnaires: the Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron et al., 1985) and the Sports Motivation Scale (Pelletier et al., 1995). The study was designed with a cross-sectional approach and is rooted in quantitative research methodology.The purposive sampling approach was adopted. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation were used to evaluate the data in SPSS version 23.0. A noteworthy correlation was reported between intrinsic motivation and team cohesion (r=0.638**, p<0.001) and between extrinsic motivation and team cohesion (r=0.623**, p<0.001). Furthermore, overall motivation scores also displayed a substantial correlation with the cohesion of the team (r=0.633**, p<0.001).These findings provide early evidence that it's essential to encourage and inspire the players in order to have an influence on the team atmosphere. Keywords : E

INTRAGROUP CONFLICT AND COHESION IN INTERACTIVE SPORTS TEAMS

The aims of this study are to: (a) identify the most frequently used conflict management style; (b) determine the level of cohesion; and (c) examine the relationship between conflict and cohesion in interactive sports teams. The study was conducted on a sample of 205 professional sports players from interactive sports teams from Serbia (basketball, handball, water polo, volleyball, and football teams). The data was collected through the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory – II (ROCII – II) and the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ). In relation to all of the sports considered, the findings revealed high levels of all four dimensions of cohesion (Group Integration – Task, Group Integration – Social, Individual Attractions to the Group – Task, and Individual Attractions to the Group – Social). The study has shown a positive correlation between cohesion and the collaborative conflict management style, and a negative correlation between cohesion and the competing style. Cooperation proved to be the most frequently used conflict management style, and competing proved the least frequently used style in interactive sports teams.

The mediator role of communication skill in the relationship between empathy, team cohesion, and competition performance in curlers.

Understanding the psycho-social factors such as communication, empathy, cohesion, etc., that affect successful athletic performance is a high priority and primary focus for applied sports psychology. Detailed examination of the athletes' psycho-social characteristics is essential in revealing which processes play an active role in achieving optimum performance. Developing these features of the athlete can contribute to coordinating the team, sharing tasks, increasing motivation, preparing team members for a change, and improving performance. For this purpose, the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between empathy, team cohesion, and competition performance was examined in a sample of 241 curlers competing in 69 teams in the Turkish Curling League in the 2021-2022 season. During the data collection process, Personal Information Form, Empathic Tendency Scale, Scale for Effective Communication in Team Sport, and Group Environment Questionnaire were used. Competition performance was calculated by giving 1 point for each match won by the teams in the competitions in which the single-circuit round-robin system is applied. Structural equation modeling was used in data analysis to determine the direct and indirect predictive effects between variables. The study showed that empathy and team cohesion predict competition performance through communication skills, and communication skills fully mediate this relationship. Based on the research results, it was evaluated that communication skills have a substantial effect on the competitive performance of athletes, and this finding was discussed in the context of the literature.

Spanish adaptation and validation of the UGEQ questionnaire to assess group cohesion in university students

Introduction: The assessment of group cohesion is a fundamental aspect in the context of higher education. However, there is a need for appropriate and specific instruments to assess this construct in the university context. Objective: To adapt and validate the University Group Environment Questionnaire (UGEQ) group cohesion measure to the Spanish population. Method: The sample used for this study consisted of 309 Spanish university students, with a mean age of 22.61 (SD=5.5). For data analysis, a confirmatory factorial analysis was performed, following the structure of the original instrument (UGEQ). Results: The results suggest optimal adjustment indices (CFI= 0.92; TLI=0.90; SRMR=0.068 and RMSEA= 0.081 [90% CI: 0.071- 0.092]) and appropriate internal consistency (0.88 [95% CI: 0.86-0.90]) and temporal stability. Discussion: These findings support the use of the UGEQ as a valid and reliable instrument to assess group cohesion in the Spanish university context.

KUALITAS PERTEMANAN DAN KOHESIVITAS PADA MAHASISWA ANGGOTA KOMUNITAS VIRTUAL DI BIDANG KESEHATAN MENTAL

Technological development have created a virtual-based community that allows community members to not always interact directly. This can affect the quality of friendship and group cohesiveness because there is no physical closeness between members. Group cohesiveness is needed so that members remain in the community they follow and achieve community goals. One of the things related to being able to affect group cohesiveness is the friendship between its members. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between the quality of friendship and cohesiveness in students in virtual communities in the field of mental health. This research uses quantitative methods with correlational research types. Respondents in this study were students who were active in the virtual community X with a total of 106 members. The instrument in this study consisted of a Friendship Quality (FQUA) and Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) scale. The data analysis technique in this study used the Pearson product moment correlation test. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the quality of friendship and cohesiveness among students in virtual community X.

Short-Term Effects of Square Stepping Exercise on Cognitive and Social Functions in Sedentary Older Adults: A Home-Based Online Trial

Background: The Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) is an exercise training program integrating physical exercise and cognitive components. The potential of SSE in deferring cognitive decline in older adults is encouraging. However, the coronavirus pandemic has made it harder for older adults worldwide to exercise together in person. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of a home-based online SSE trial on cognitive and social functions in sedentary older adults. Methods: A sample of 24 older adults (2 men, 22 women) took part in the current study. Seven participants (2 men, 5 women) completed home-based online SSE sessions under tighter safety regulations, whereas other 17 women attended SSE sessions in person when group exercise with more than 5 people were permitted. To investigate the effects of the online SSE on cognitive and social functions compared to the in-person SSE, 2 times (pre vs. post) × 2 groups (online vs. in-person) mixed ANOVAs were conducted with classic and robust statistical methods on the scores of the Trail Making Test (TMT), the subscale scores of the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire, and the score of the Subjective Vitality Scale. Results: The interaction between time and groups was significant on the TMT-B to TMT-A (B/A) ratio score (p = .049) and the subscale scores of Individuals Attractions to the Group‒Task (p = .034) and ‒Social (p = .037). The B/A ratio score is an indicator of executive control function. The online SSE group’s ratio score slightly decreased over the sessions, whereas the ratio score significantly increased in the in-person group. As for group cohesion, participants’ involvements with the group task and social interaction with their group were enhanced in the online SSE group over the sessions, compared to the in-person SSE group. Conclusions: In this study, SSE was carried out online for a short-term and found to be successful to enhance executive function and group cohesion in sedentary older adults. Considering the coronavirus pandemic circumstances, it is valuable to examine the long-term effects of the online SSE in older adults in future research.

The persistent effect of problem-solving and growing interpersonal relationships methods on the cognitive-social dimensions of the group environment among athletes

Introduction: Understanding the cognitive-social factors that contribute to group success is crucial in creating and maintaining a group and its cohesion process. Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the persistent effect of problem-solving methods and create interpersonal relationships on the cognitive-social dimensions of the group environment of athletes. Method: This study was a semi-experimental type of research with a pre-test and post-test design. The statistical population was all female students of Islamic Azad University- Yadgar Imam Branch in the academic year 2017-2018. The statistical sample included 57 volunteer students who were randomly divided into three groups such as control, problem-solving exercises, and interpersonal relationship exercises. After the pre-test, all participants performed the desired exercises for 12 weeks and then took part in the post-test. The group Environment Questionnaire of Caron & et al (1987) was used to evaluate the cognitive-social dimensions of the group environment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni's posthoc test using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The results showed a significant difference. The time and group effects showed that the interventions had a significant effect on the dimensions of individual attractions to the group–social and group integration (P<0.05). The results also showed that a significant difference was observed in the interaction effect of the time*group. The results of the Bonferroni post-hoc test also showed that the method based on interpersonal relationships has a significant effect on the cognitive-social components of the group environment (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be said that if the communication channels between the coach and team members are open so that each member can share the cognitive-social dimensions related to their behavior with others, it will lead to better performance.

Subjective Exercise Experience and Group Cohesion among Chinese Participating in Square Dance: A Moderated Mediation Model of Years of Participation and Gender.

(1) Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between years of participation, subjective exercise experience, and group cohesion among gender-specific square dance practitioners. (2) Methods: The Subjective Exercise Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ) and Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) were used to evaluate Subjective Exercise Experience (SEE) and group cohesion (GC). An analysis was conducted on 130 Chinese (63 males and 67 females) using multiple group analysis within a structural equation model. (3) Results: (a) The positive aspects of Subjective Exercise Experience (SEE) and Positive Well-Being (PWB), had a strongly positive effect on GC in both groups. The negative aspects of SEE, Psychological Fatigue (PF), and Psychological Distress (PD), had negative effects on GC. (b) Only for the male group was there an indirect effect of participation years on the association between SEE and GC in the model (a × b = 0.062, 95% CI [0.001, 0.181]; standard error (SE) = 0.062, p = 0.048). (c) The significant differences between paths coefficients were noticed in the association of years of participation with SEE (t = −2.043) and GC (t = −1.962). (4) Conclusion: Based on these results, gender differences in terms of the partial mediating role of adherence in the relationship of SEE and GC were presented for future research, fitness popularization, and society.

Relative study on team cohesion between cricket players

The aim of this study was to find out the relative study on team cohesion between crickets players were participated in the 2018 Buck Cricket Tournament was conducted by YMCA College of physical education, Chennai. The study was administered on 10 batsmen, 10 fast bowlers, 10 spin bowlers and 10 wicketkeepers in the age group of 18 to 25 and completed the Group environment questionnaire (Carron, A.V et., al. 1985). The obtained F ratio value on the scores of ATGS 0.36 was lesser than the required table value of 2.87, which proved that there was no significant difference on ATGS between cricket players. The obtained F ratio value on the scores of ATGT 0.22 was lesser than the required table value of 2.87, which proved that there was no significant difference on ATGT between cricket players. The obtained F ratio value on the scores of GIS 3.74 was greater than the required table value of 2.87, which proved that there was a significant difference on GIS between cricket players.

The role of the relationship with the coach in the group environment of school sports

The relationship between coach and athlete has been identified as a key factor for several positive outcomes in the sports context. Thus, the aims of this study were to analyze the association between the quality of the coach-athlete relationship (CAR) and the perception of team cohesion of youth athletes. Participants were 301 athletes, aged 15 to 17 years, who participated in the School Games of Pernambuco, Brazil. The instruments used were the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q) and the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ). Data analysis was conducted through the Structural Equation Modeling (p< .05) with team cohesion, explaining 25% of the variance of task cohesion and 15% of social cohesion. Specifically, the effect of CAR on task (β = 0.50) and social (β = 0.39) cohesion was significant (p<.05) and positive. It was concluded that the quality of CAR is a key factor for the engagement of the adolescent with the teamwork and its goals as well as for the development of positive interpersonal relationships. ><.05) and positive. It was concluded that the quality of CAR is a key factor for the engagement of the adolescent with the teamwork and its goals as well as for the development of positive interpersonal relationships.

Values, motivational orientation and team cohesion amongst youth soccer players

There is a close link between moral education and sports activities. A well-organized sport can be an excellent means of transferring positive values to children and adolescents, which can influence motivation and group processes. This study aimed to analyse (a) the relationships between social, personal and individualistic values, motivational orientation and team cohesion amongst young soccer players and (b) compare differences in these variables between players competing in different age categories. Our participant sample comprised 401 male soccer players of Spanish teams (mean age = 14.64 years) competing in official competitive leagues, of five age categories, Under-10 years to Under-19. All participants responded to three instruments: the Values Scale for Positive Adolescent Development, the Perception of Success Questionnaire and the Group Environment Questionnaire. Correlation and regression, and analysis of differences between categories were performed. The results confirm that personal values are mainly related to task orientation, and individualistic values to ego orientation. The values of responsibility, integrity and honesty were the best predictors of task orientation, and social recognition and hedonism predict ego orientation. Honesty and responsibility were the main predictors of both task and social cohesion. Younger players showed a higher level of social values, task orientation and social cohesion, while older players show higher individualistic values and ego orientation. Implications for research or practice are discussed.