Perceptions Of Cohesion Research Articles

Perceived group cohesion versus actual social structure: A study using social network analysis of egocentric Facebook networks

Research on group cohesion often relies on individual perceptions, which may not reflect the actual social structure of groups. This study draws on social network theory to examine the relationship between observable structural group characteristics and individual perceptions of group cohesion. Leveraging Facebook data, we extracted and partitioned the social networks of 109 participants into groups using a modularity algorithm. We then surveyed perceptions of cohesion, and computed group density and size using social network analysis. Out of six linear mixed effects models specified, a random intercept and fixed slope model with group size as a predictor of perceived group cohesion emerged as best fitting. Whereas group density was not linked to perceived cohesion, size had a small negative effect on perceived cohesion, suggesting that people perceive smaller groups as more cohesive. We discuss the potential of social network analysis, visualization tools, and Facebook data for advancing research on groups.

Problems, perceptions and actions: An interdependent process for generating informal social control

Using two waves of survey data for residents in neighborhoods in Brisbane, this study explores the interdependent relationship between residents' perceptions of neighboring, cohesion, collective efficacy, neighborhood disorder, and the actions they take to address these problems. Our longitudinal results show that residents’ perceived severity of a problem helps explain engaging in activity to address the problem. People loitering appeared to be the most galvanizing problem for residents, but had particularly deleterious effects on perceptions of cohesion and collective efficacy. We also find that residents who perceive more neighboring in their local area engage in more public and parochial social control activity and residents who live in collectively efficacious neighborhoods are more likely to engage in parochial social control action. Furthermore, residents who themselves perceive more collective efficacy in the neighborhood engage in more parochial or public social control during the subsequent time period. Importantly, we find strong evidence that residents update their sense of collective efficacy. Perceiving more problems in the neighborhood, and perceiving that these problems are increasing, reduced perceptions of neighboring and collective efficacy over time.

A Functional Moodel of Team Leadership for Sport

The purpose of this study was to propose and examine a new leadership framework, the Team Leadership Model for Sport. Specifically, the aim was to examine a functional leadership paradigm in sport where full range of leadership behaviors by the coach and by the collective athletes influence team cohesion, and thereby increase the likelihood of team goal achievement. Data were utilized from 518 NCAA Division I-III athletes from 36 softball teams and 13 baseball teams. The participants completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Avolio & Bass, 2004), the Team Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Avolio & Bass, 1996), the Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron, Brawley, & Widmeyer, 1985), and the Team Outcome Questionnaire that was developed for this study. Structural equation modeling indicated that the original hypothesized model did not fit the data, but an acceptable alternative model was established, which included transformational leadership and two transactional leadership variables influencing perceptions of cohesion. Transformational leadership had a significant positive path to cohesion, which in turn had a significant positive path to goal achievement. We discuss a potentially fruitful direction in the examination of team leadership, within which the first step involves a closer examination of measurement of coach leadership, shared athlete leadership, and cohesion.

A Functional Model of Team Leadership for Sport

The purpose of this study was to propose and examine a new leadership framework, the Team Leadership Model for Sport. Specifi cally, the aim was to examine a functional leadership paradigm in sport where full range of leadership behaviors by the coach and by the collective athletes infl uence team cohesion, and thereby increase the likelihood of team goal achievement. Data were utilized from 518 NCAA Division I-III athletes from 36 softball teams and 13 baseball teams. The participants completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Avolio & Bass, 2004), the Team Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Avolio & Bass, 1996), the Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron, Brawley, & Widmeyer, 1985), and the Team Outcome Questionnaire that was developed for this study. Structural equation modeling indicated that the original hypothesized model did not fi t the data, but an acceptable alternative model was established, which included transformational leadership and two transactional leadership variables infl uencing perceptions of cohesion. Transformational leadership had a signifi cant positive path to cohesion, which in turn had a signifi cant positive path to goal achievement. We discuss a potentially fruitful direction in the examination of team leadership, within which the fi rst step involves a closer examination of measurement of coach leadership, shared athlete leadership, and cohesion. Keywords: transformational, cohesion, shared leadership, baseball, softball

Longitudinal analysis of virtual community perceptions of cohesion: The role of cooperation, communication, and competition.

Online, virtual group interactions may help adherence to health promotion programs. The purpose of this study was to explore longitudinal relationships among dimensions of group cohesion and group-interaction variables to inform and improve group-based strategies within programs aimed at promoting physical activity in virtual communities. In all, 56 online virtual users completed a group dynamics-based physical activity promotion intervention and assessments of group cohesion and group interaction at baseline and 4 weeks. Friendly competition and cooperation were consistently strong predictors of cohesion. Facilitating a sense of friendly competition and cooperation may increase engagement in physical activity programs by bolstering group cohesion.

Family Qualities, Self-Deprecation, and Depressive Symptoms of Zoroastrian Young Adults in Immigrant Families.

The aim of this study was to examine family qualities and self-deprecation in relation to depressive symptoms of young adult Zoroastrians from immigrant families in North America. Using snowball sampling and online surveys, self-report data were collected from 171 Zoroastrian young adults (i.e., 18-30years old) about their perception of cohesion in their families, conflict with their parents, and the extent that they met parental general expectations (e.g., not embarrassing the family). The findings from a path analysis showed that parent-child conflict and meeting parental expectations were indirectly related to depressive symptoms through self-deprecation. Also, higher family cohesion predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms among Zoroastrian young adults. These results are similar to findings in studies with non Zoroastrians. The results suggested prevention and interventions to decrease depressive symptoms could target self-deprecating thoughts as well as perceived family dynamics.

Testing the Efficacy of OurSpace, a Brief, Group Dynamics-Based Physical Activity Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundEmerging technologies (ie, mobile phones, Internet) may be effective tools for promoting physical activity (PA). However, few interventions have provided effective means to enhance social support through these platforms. Face-to-face programs that use group dynamics-based principles of behavior change have been shown to be highly effective in enhancing social support through promoting group cohesion and PA, but to date, no studies have examined their effects in Web-based programs.ObjectiveThe aim was to explore proof of concept and test the efficacy of a brief, online group dynamics-based intervention on PA in a controlled experiment. We expected that the impact of the intervention on PA would be moderated by perceptions of cohesion and the partner’s degree of presence in the online media.MethodsParticipants (n=135) were randomized into same-sex dyads and randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions: standard social support (standard), group dynamics-based–high presence, group dynamics-based–low presence, or individual control. Participants performed two sets of planking exercises (pre-post). Between sets, participants in partnered conditions interacted with a virtual partner using either a standard social support app or a group dynamics-based app (group dynamics-based–low presence and group dynamics-based–high presence), the latter of which they participated in a series of online team-building exercises. Individual participants were given an equivalent rest period between sets. To increase presence during the second set, participants in the group dynamics-based–high presence group saw a live video stream of their partner exercising. Perceptions of cohesion were measured using a modified PA Group Environment Questionnaire. Physical activity was calculated as the time persisted during set 2 after controlling for persistence in set 1.ResultsPerceptions of cohesion were higher in the group dynamics-based–low presence (overall mean 5.81, SD 1.04) condition compared to the standard (overall mean 5.04, SD 0.81) conditions (P=.006), but did not differ between group dynamics-based–low presence and group dynamics-based–high presence (overall mean 5.42, SD 1.07) conditions (P=.25). Physical activity was higher in the high presence condition (mean 64.48, SD 20.19, P=.01) than all other conditions (mean 53.3, SD 17.35).ConclusionsA brief, online group dynamics-based intervention may be an effective method of improving group cohesion in virtual PA groups. However, it may be insufficient on its own to improve PA.

Some considerations on the relationship between economic and social cohesion and implementation of the cohesion policy

Abstract The processes of deepening economic integration and regional development contribute to the intensification of inter-regional disparities. The EU’s efforts to achieve cohesion are intended to contribute to lifting the level of socio-economic development, improving the quality of life of residents, and also solving emerging problems, including social ones, so that the benefits of growth spread evenly across the EU. This inevitably has the implication, in the name of solidarity principle, of the need to provide support to countries and regions at a disadvantage to achieve cohesion within the EU. The Union promotes economic, social and territorial cohesion among Member States (MS) through grants of financial assistance and in the many benefits achieved from the implementation of EU policies. One of these policies is the cohesion policy, the aim of which is to achieve a social, economic and territorial cohesion within the Union. This paper aims to identify current perceptions of cohesion in the EU. Here we will argue that there is no conflictual relationship between economic and social cohesion; that both dimensions are self-reinforcing, and economic cohesion presupposes social cohesion. The paper also discusses the socio-economic cohesion of Poland and its regions against the background of the new EU MS. It will also assess the contribution of EU cohesion policy in the socio-economic development of Polish regions.

Investigating the Relationship between Team Cohesion and Self-Presentation among Different Competitive Team Sports of Ethiopian Universities

One of the most constantly studied constructs in team dynamic research is cohesiveness, because it’s not only associated with group level outcomes such as performance but also with individuals outcomes. Self-presentation involves the selective presentation of particular characteristics of oneself that would make the desired impression on others. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between self-presentation and team cohesion among different competitive team sports of Ethiopian Universities. It is the hypothesis that high cohesion would be associated with low self-presentational concerns. The sample consisted of 108 athletes (68 male, 40 female) from 11 different universities among 33, with the average of 20.94 ± 1.95 years of age, using random sampling technique. The data was obtained using Group Environmental Questionnaire (GEQ), Self-presentation in Sport Questionnaire (SPSQ) and the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) for team cohesion, self-presentation and competitive anxiety, respectively. The findings show that the task and social cohesion are negatively related to self-presentational concerns in sports, explaining 4% of variance, which means higher perceptions of cohesion, are associated with low self-presentational concerns. Keywords : Team cohesion, Self-presentation, Competitive anxiety, Team sports, Ethiopia.

Is cohesion within military units associated with post-deployment behavioral and mental health outcomes?

PurposePrior studies suggest that cohesion among members of military units has a positive impact on behavioral and mental health sequelae of combat deployment. However, these studies have not distinguished variation in cohesion across units from variation in perception of cohesion across individuals within units. MethodsA sample of U.S. Marines was assessed before and after deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in 2010 or 2011. Within-group centering was used to distinguish unit-level from individual-level associations of cohesion with four behavioral and mental health outcomes assessed after deployment: alcohol misuse, violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a positive screen for depression. ResultsUnit-level cohesion is associated positively with alcohol misuse (OR=1.86, 95% CI 1.05–3.29) and negatively with UCMJ violations (OR=0.41, 95% CI 0.20–0.83) but not with probable PTSD (OR=1.00, 95% CI 0.60–1.6) or a positive screen for depression (OR=1.00 95% CI 0.58–1.72). Lower perception of cohesion relative to the other members of the same unit is associated with higher likelihood of UCMJ violations, probable PTSD and a positive screen for depression. LimitationsData on all members of the studied units were not available. ConclusionsDistinguishing unit-level from individual-level variation in cohesion among military unit members reveals more varied associations with behavioral and mental health outcomes of deployment than have been reported in previous studies, in which these levels have been collapsed. Associations between individual-level variation in cohesion and mental health outcomes may result from pre-existing traits related to both perception of cohesion and risk for psychiatric disorders.

A night float week in a surgical clerkship improves student team cohesion

BackgroundWe hypothesize that night float rotations in the third-year surgical clerkship improve student learning and perceptions of team cohesion. MethodsA 1-week night float (NF) system was implemented during the 2013 to 2014 academic year for students. Each student completed 1 week of NF with the Trauma/Emergency General Surgery service. The Perceived Cohesion Scale survey was prospectively administered and National Board of Medical Examiners academic performance retrospectively reviewed. ResultsWe surveyed 70 medical students, 37 traditional call and 33 NF students, with 91% response rate. Perception of team cohesion increased significantly, without perceived loss of educational benefit. Examination scores increased significantly comparing pre- and postintervention groups, with this trend continuing in the following academic year. ConclusionsA week-long student NF experience significantly improved perception of team cohesion and standardized examination results. A dedicated period of NF during the surgical clerkship may improve its overall educational value.

Team Member’s Centrality, Cohesion, Conflict, and Performance in Multi-University Geographically Distributed Project Teams

This study examined team processes and outcomes among 12 multi-university distributed project teams from 11 universities during its early and late development stages over a 14-month project period. A longitudinal model of team interaction is presented and tested at the individual level to consider the extent to which both formal and informal network connections—measured as degree centrality—relate to changes in team members’ individual perceptions of cohesion and conflict in their teams, and their individual performance as a team member over time. The study showed a negative network centrality-cohesion relationship with significant temporal patterns, indicating that as team members perceive less degree centrality in distributed project teams, they report more team cohesion during the last four months of the project. We also found that changes in team cohesion from the first three months (i.e., early development stage) to the last four months (i.e., late development stage) of the project relate positively to changes in team member performance. Although degree centrality did not relate significantly to changes in team conflict over time, a strong inverse relationship was found between changes in team conflict and cohesion, suggesting that team conflict emphasizes a different but related aspect of how individuals view their experience with the team process. Changes in team conflict, however, did not relate to changes in team member performance. Ultimately, we showed that individuals, who are less central in the network and report higher levels of team cohesion, performed better in distributed teams over time.

Elite Coach Perceptions of Cohesion on Coacting Teams

This study explored the knowledge and perceptions of elite coacting sport coaches as applied to team cohesion. Six experienced university cross-country running coaches who achieved high levels of success and recognition were purposefully chosen and interviewed for this study. Results demonstrated that these coaches valued cohesion and felt it played an integral role in developing team success and satisfaction, despite facing barriers such as intrateam competition and rivalry. Purposeful recruiting, choosing effective team leaders, setting and monitoring team goals, and encouraging social events were some strategies utilized to enhance cohesion and establish positive relationships among teammates. These findings provide a greater understanding of the knowledge of elite coacting coaches and cohesion.

Welfare States and Social Cohesion in Europe: Does Social Service Quality Matter?

AbstractIn this article, the authors evaluate whether the provision of good quality social services has the potential to create social cohesion. In addition to examining the relationship between social services and social cohesion, the authors expand institutional theories of social capital by investigating whether this potential for building social solidarity may be resilient to the corrosive effects of economic strain. Multilevel analyses of variations in the perceptions of social cohesion amongst Europeans were conducted for 27 member countries of the EU using the Eurobarometer 74.1 on poverty and social exclusion from 2010. The results suggest that individuals receiving better quality social service provision perceived higher levels of social cohesion within the country in which they live. By contrast, individuals living in households experiencing economic strain perceived lower levels of cohesion. Further analysis revealed that the experience of economic strain does not weaken the positive relationship between social services quality and perceptions of cohesion.

Appraisal in a Team Context: Perceptions of Cohesion Predict Competition Importance and Prospects for Coping.

Athletes' precompetitive appraisal is important because it determines emotions, which may impact performance. When part of a team, athletes make their appraisal within a social context, and in this study we examined whether perceived team cohesion, as a characteristic of this context, related to appraisal. We asked 386 male and female intercollegiate team-sport athletes to respond to measures of cohesion and precompetitive appraisal before an in-season game. For males and females, across all teams, (a) an appraisal of increased competition importance was predicted by perceptions of higher task cohesion (individual level), better previous team performance, and a weaker opponent (team level) and (b) an appraisal of more positive prospects for coping with competitive demands was predicted by higher individual attractions to the group (individual level). Consequently, athletes who perceive their team as more cohesive likely appraise the pending competition as a challenge, which would benefit both emotions and performance.

Increases in Network Ties Are Associated With Increased Cohesion Among Intervention Participants.

Many behavior change programs are delivered in group settings to manage implementation costs and to foster support and interactions among group members in order to facilitate behavior change. Understanding the group dynamics that evolve in group settings (e.g., weight management, Alcoholics Anonymous) is important, yet rarely measured. This article examined the relationship between social network ties and group cohesion in a group-based intervention to prevent obesity in children. The data reported are process measures from an ongoing community-based randomized controlled trial. A total of 305 parents with a child (3-6 years) at risk of developing obesity were assigned to an intervention that taught parents healthy lifestyles. Parents met weekly for 12 weeks in small consistent groups. Two measures were collected at Weeks 3 and 6: a social network survey (people in the group with whom one discusses healthy lifestyles) and the validated Perceived Cohesion Scale. We used lagged random and fixed effects regression models to analyze the data. Cohesion increased from 6.51 to 6.71 (t= 4.4,p< .01). Network nominations tended to increase over the 3-week period in each network. In the combined discussion and advice network, the number of nominations increased from 1.76 to 1.95 (z= 2.59,p< .01). Cohesion at Week 3 was the strongest predictor of cohesion at Week 6 (b= 0.55,p< .01). Number of new network nominations at Week 6 was positively related to cohesion at Week 6 (b= 0.06,p< .01). In sum, being able to name new network contacts was associated with feelings of cohesion. This is the first study to demonstrate how network changes affect perceived group cohesion within a behavioral intervention. Given that many behavioral interventions occur in group settings, intentionally building new social networks could be promising to augment desired outcomes.

Coaches' Perceptions of Team Cohesion in Paralympic Sports.

The purpose of this study was to investigate Paralympic coaches' perceptions of team cohesion. Seven head coaches of summer and winter Canadian Paralympic sport teams participated in the study. Four participants coached individual sports and 3 coached team sports. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results addressed the coaches' perceptions of cohesion in the Paralympic sport setting and strategies used to foster cohesion with their teams. Participants described using techniques and strategies for enhancing cohesion that were similar to those in nondisability sport, such as task-related activities, goal setting, and regularly communicating with their athletes. They also listed how cohesion was distinct to the Paralympic setting, such as the importance of interpersonal activities to build social cohesion. The implications of these results for coaching athletes with a disability are also presented.

Perceived coercion of noninstitutionalized elderly patients undergoing research for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction

To evaluate perceived coercion (PC) of noninstitutionalized elderly patients undergoing research for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A cross-sectional study conducted with 1,112 elderly individuals aged 60 or older, enrolled in the Family Health Programme of the municipality of Areia, State of Paraíba, Brazil, from January to June 2013. The data collection tool was the Perceived Coercion Scale (PSC). The participants were predominantly women (62.5%) in the 60 to 69 age group (45.9%), illiterate (57.9% percent), married or in a common law marriage (54.1%), retired (83.6%), and receiving a monthly income under the minimum wage (72.0%). The average overall PC was 1.25+ 1.15 and Trend 1 (41,4%). There was a difference between the group of individuals who were literate, married and in a common law marriage and the members of the other groups. Results showed that the elderly patients were minimally coerced when deciding whether to participate in research for diagnosing temporomandibular joint dysfunction. They also revealed a significant association of PC with literacy and marital status.

A coach-initiated motivational climate intervention and athletes’ perceptions of group cohesion in youth sport.

The current study examined the influence of a motivational climate intervention with recreational youth soccer coaches on athletes’ perceptions of group cohesion. Results of a repeated-measures MANOVA demonstrated a significant Time Condition interaction, p .01, p .09, with follow-up univariate tests indicating differences between groups for perceptions of both task, p .02, p .05, and social cohesion, p .01, p .06, across time. In essence, coaches in the motivational climate intervention had athletes who demonstrated elevated perceptions of task and social cohesion by the end-of-season measure (.44 Cohen’s d .49). Overall, results (a) highlight the efficacy of the motivational climate intervention with coaches through increased perceptions of task-focused behaviors, and (b) demonstrate the ability to positively influence perceptions of cohesion in youth sport through a manipulation of basic coaching behaviors. Implications and future directions are offered as they relate to team-building interventions and adherence in a youth sport context.

Group cohesion reworded: measuring group cohesion perceptions in sport

Group cohesion in sport is often measured via questionnaires that have been created based on the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ; Carron, Widmeyer, & Brawley, 1985, Journal of Sport Psychology, 7,244–266). Still, when assessing the items of these questionnaires more closely, it is evident that several items are not congruent with the theoretical definition of group cohesion. The aim of the current study was thus to reword those items within the German questionnaire KIT-L (Ohlert, 2002, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10(1),39–51) and test the new wordings for reliability and validity. Two surveys were conducted to examine the internal consistency as well as the concurrent and discriminant validity of the reworded items compared with the original items. Team satisfaction, performance, social integration and team trust were included as external validity criteria. Reliability analyses and confirmatory factory analysis showed that the new items possess adequate internal validity and model fit. The concurrent validity analysis revealed mostly medium-sized correlations with team satisfaction and performance. The discriminant validity analysis showed that the new instrument clearly distinguishes from behavioural concepts like social integration. Thus, the newly constructed questionnaire KIT-L2 is a valid instrument to measure group cohesion in sport that corresponds with the underlying theory.