Running Head: IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 1

The Impact of Group Cohesion in Sports and Faith

Kinnon Rockness
Wheaton College
CORE 316 Sport Psychology
Dr. Phinney
March 17, 2020
IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 2

Abstract

Cohesion is the process by which group members interact in order to achieve a common goal or

objective. Cohesion is dynamic and multi-dimensional. Task cohesion involves the degree to

which group members interact, and social cohesion reflects the degree of interpersonal attraction

among group members. Cohesion may be conceptualized by Carron’s (2012) model. This model

demonstrates the development of cohesion and its contributing factors. To measure cohesion,

methods such as questionnaires and sociograms have been developed. Cohesion is positively

related to performance. The relationship is also defined as circular, as both factors have the

ability to increase one another. There are many strategies used to enhance group cohesion, but

these strategies are different for every situation. Christians are united together as a team and

cohesiveness is evident in the body of Christ. Understanding the concept of group cohesion

allows believers to work together for God’s glory.

IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 3

Defining Cohesion

In the sports world, the success of a team may depend on several different factors. One of

these factors is group cohesion. Cohesion may be described as a dynamic process of interactions

between group members who work together to achieve a common goal (Chu, 2017). Richardson

(2013) states that cohesion “acts as a glue that binds and bonds individuals to a group identity

and cause.” This identity provides an environment where team members have a sense of unity

and are willing to work with and for each other. Cohesion may be divided into several

dimensions, which focus on task and social aspects. Task cohesion refers to the level to which

group members interact in order to achieve a similar goal or objective, whereas social cohesion

relates to the interpersonal attractions between members (Weinberg & Gould, 2015). The level of

task and social cohesion on a team may vary and do not always equal one another. A team may

have a high degree of task cohesion and still have success despite having a low degree of social

cohesion. According to Chu (2017), “Task performance is more strongly related to optimal sport

performance than social cohesion, demonstrating the importance of having congruent task-

related goals.” Task cohesion is generally higher in sports that require working together, but

cohesion is nevertheless an important factor within individual sports. The fundamental concept

of cohesion applies to any situation where there is a task and/or social interaction within a team.

Development of Cohesion

To effectively conceptualize group cohesion in sport and exercise settings, Carron and

Eys (2012) developed a model that outlines four factors that affect the development of cohesion.

These include environmental, personal, leadership, and team factors. Environmental factors refer

to the forces that bind a group together. Carron’s (2012) model lists contractual responsibility as

an example. Environmental factors influence team members to stick together, therefore building
IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 4

cohesiveness. Personal factors often create variation within a team. Examples of these factors

include individual orientation and satisfaction levels. The unique role that each individual plays

on a team contributes to the level of cohesion. Leadership factors, including leadership behavior

and style, is vital to team cohesion. Weinberg and Gould (2015, p.178) state that “perceptions of

compatibility between the leader and group members as evident in the coach-athlete relationship

are important to enhancing feelings of cohesion.” Therefore, leadership factors take the

perceptions of athletes into consideration when developing cohesion. Team factors refer to

characteristics including group tasks, desires, orientation, productivity norm, ability, and

stability. Brawley (1990) uses the example of shared experiences, such as a series of successes or

failures. These shared experiences play an important role in developing and maintaining

cohesion by unifying a team to overcome the threat of opposing teams. When combined, all four

of these dimensions contribute to the task cohesion and social cohesion of the group. One

important note to consider is the fact that this model is most relevant to the adult population.

Studies performed with a younger age group show evidence that these individuals do not

distinguish between group integration and individual attractions to the group perspectives

(IResearchNet, 2016). As a result, some researchers differentiate cohesiveness of youth sports

based on the general objectives of the group, such as task versus social cohesion. When

developing group cohesion, there are various elements that must be considered.

Measuring Cohesion

In order to determine the development and levels of cohesion within a group, one must be

able to measure cohesion. The two most effective methods of measuring cohesiveness are

questionnaires and sociograms. The Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) is widely

accepted and is the operationalization of the four dimensions of cohesion in Carron’s (2012)
IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 5

model. Eys and Kim (2017) describe it as a “measure assessing athletes’ perceptions of their

attractions to social and task aspects of the group, as well as their perceptions of how integrated

their group is from both social and task perspectives.” Evidence to prove the validity and

reliability of responses to this assessment tool has been developed over time. Certain limitations,

such as positively and negatively worded items, have been found to create problems for the

internal consistency of certain dimensions (Eys & Kim, 2017). In response, researchers have

translated and adapted the GEQ so that the measure of cohesion is relevant for their specific

population. Early cohesion studies utilized the GEQ to assess cohesion perceptions held by youth

sport participants. However, some of the psychometric properties were found questionable when

used with this population (IResearchNet, 2016). Questionnaires that are catered specifically

towards youth and children have been developed, including the Youth Sport Environment

Questionnaire (YSEQ) and the Child Sport Cohesion Questionnaire (CSCQ). Sociograms are a

useful tool for measuring social cohesion. Sociograms disclose affiliation and attraction among

group members. A pattern of interpersonal relationships is formed based on responses to specific

questions about individual preferences (Weinberg & Gould, 2015). For example, one may ask

group members to name three teammates they would most like to spend time with outside of

practice, and three teammates they would least like to spend time with. For the most accurate

results, confidentiality must be ensured, and participants should be honest. If group cohesion is

measured successfully, the assessments may be used to increase productivity and enhance

performance.

Cohesion and Performance

Group cohesion is positively related to performance success. Research has shown that the

relationship between cohesion and performance is positive and bidirectional (IResearchNet,

IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 6

2016). This means that greater cohesion leads to better performance and better performance leads

to greater cohesion. In other words, the relationship is circular. This correlation remains the same

regardless of sport type, skill level, or direction of the relationship. However, there is a

moderating effect of gender. “While still significant for males (effect size = 0.556), the positive

relationship between cohesion and performance was stronger for females (effect size = 0.949)”

(Eys & Kim, 2017). Task demands also influence the connection between cohesion and

performance. The structure and demands of a team often rely on the nature of interactions among

team members along a continuum, from interactive to coactive. Interactive sports, such as soccer

or football, require team members to work together and coordinate. Coactive sports, such as

cross-country or golf, require much less team interaction and coordination for achieving goals.

The absolute level of cohesiveness is typically higher in interactive sports, which is expected due

to the close interactions required on-court or on-field. Naturally, team-building strategies are

introduced, leading to increased cohesiveness. Team-building interventions have a greater effect

on coactive sports and tend to have a greater effect on both team cohesion and performance

(Weinberg & Gould, 2015). Overall, cohesion and performance levels tend to increase at a

directly proportional rate to one another.

Enhancing Cohesion

Once the current cohesiveness and structure of a team are understood, there are numerous

strategies that may be implemented in order to enhance cohesion. Specifically, there are ways to

increase group cohesion in the sport setting. One important factor is ensuring every group

member of their role on the team. It is important to develop the idea that all members are

essential to the successes of the group and have a shared responsibility (Richardson, 2013).

When group members clearly understand their roles and are satisfied with those roles, cohesion
IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 7

is enhanced. Another important element is encouraging appropriate behaviors from team leaders.

Team leaders play an important role in influencing task and social cohesion. Richardson (2013)

suggests that leaders treat players as individuals and become aware of each person’s needs and

preferences. These preferences include the ways that team members interact and their style of

motivation. Certain environmental factors may also enhance cohesion. Instilling a sense of

togetherness and distinctiveness both contribute to building cohesion (Weinberg & Gould, 2015).

It is important to foster a strong sense of “we” instead of “me.” This may be done through team

building activities, team slogans, and social interactions within and outside of the sport (Chu,

2017). Team processes also play a part in improving cohesion. One of these processes is setting

goals and objectives for the team as a whole. Group goals have a greater impact on team success

than individual goals (Weinberg & Gould, 2015). Other processes include making sacrifices for

the larger group and cooperative behavior. These both require the athlete to put their team before

themselves, thus enhancing cohesion. There are many different methods for enhancing cohesion,

and every group will respond differently. With an accurate understanding of the group and how it

functions, efforts to enhance cohesion may be found quite useful.

The Body of Believers as a Team

In the Christian faith, believers are united together as a team. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

(NIV) says, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are

many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized with one Spirit into one

body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” The

passage then goes on to describe how each part of the body plays an essential role. Like a sports

team, each believer has different talents that may be contributed to benefit the larger group. “We

have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it
IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 8

in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach…” (Romans

12:6-7, NIV). These gifts, given by God, may be used for His purposes. These purposes are

made clear in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV), Jesus commands his followers

to “go and make disciples of all nations” by teaching and baptizing them in the faith. As

Christians, the Great Commission serves as an objective or goal to achieve. In the end, the prize

is eternal life in heaven with Jesus Christ. The Bible also serves as a “playbook” to guide and

direct believers. Just as an athlete would turn to the playbook for rules, Christians may turn to

God’s word for direction and guidance. The structure of God’s Kingdom is similar to that of a

team, which leads to the idea that cohesion is present.

Cohesion and Faith

Just as cohesion is essential for the success of a sports team, it is also essential for

Christians. When believers act as the body of Christ and use their gifts to further His Kingdom,

they are exercising task cohesion. Social cohesion is exercised when believers join together in

fellowship. 1 John 1:3 (NIV) says, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that

you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son,

Jesus Christ.” Believers are called to have fellowship with one another, but also with Christ.

Carron’s (2012) model of cohesion may also be used in understanding Christianity. An

environmental factor to consider is the faith that binds believers together. The commitment to

faith drives believers to worship and gather when doing so. Personal factors include spiritual

gifts and talents. Once again, every individual has been blessed with different gifts to glorify

God. When looking at leadership factors, one may turn to religious leaders. People such as

pastors, worship leaders, or youth directors often influence and spread Christian beliefs. This

influence is often positive, but it may also be negative and cause divisions in the church. The
IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 9

perceptions of church members also determine the effectiveness of these leaders. But ultimately,

all believers are under the leadership of the Lord. In any situation, one may turn to God and

receive proper guidance. Cohesion is also determined by team factors. One important team factor

is having shared experiences. All believers share the experience of surrendering and committing

their lives to Jesus Christ. When believers invite the Holy Spirit into their body, they are

choosing to become a brother or sister in Christ. This close relationship, along with the other

factors listed, contributes to cohesiveness among believers. The circular relationship between

cohesion and performance is also present. When believers work together to be disciples, God’s

word will spread further across the world. When this happens, Christ’s kingdom will be

expanded, and more people will belong to the body of Christ. Understanding these ideals and

using cohesion, believers can effectively carry out their mission of spreading the gospel.

Conclusion

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among

yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God

and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6, NIV). God calls His believers to work

together—be cohesive—in order to honor Him. God’s love and grace are offered to everyone,

and He wants everyone to play for His team. People are given the choice to participate by

accepting this gift. Understanding this may open the eyes of believers and encourage

cohesiveness. In John 13:3 (NIV), Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has

loved them. Verse 34 adds, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one

another.” Christ loved His people so much that He was willing to die for them and then conquer

death itself. As disciples, it is important for believers to love all people. Because of this love,
IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 10

cohesion should come naturally. Christian values go hand-in-hand with cohesion, and an

understanding of this concept is useful in spreading the Christian faith.

IMPACT OF GROUP COHESION 11

References

Brawley, L. (1990) Group cohesion: status, problems, and future directions. International

Journal of Sport Psychology. Retrieved from

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19911890552

Carron, A., & Eys, M. (2012). Group dynamics in sport. Fitness Information Technology.

Chu, T. (2017). From “me” to “we”: promoting team cohesion among youth athletes. Association

for Applied Sport Psychology. Retrieved from

https://appliedsportpsych.org/blog/2017/10/from-me-to-we-promoting-team-cohesion-

among-youth-athletes/

Eys, M., & Kim, J. (2017). Team building and group cohesion in the context of sport and

performance psychology. Oxford Research Encyclopedias. Retrieved from

https://oxfordre.com/psychology/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.001.0001/acrefo

re-9780190236557-e-186

IResearchNet (2016). What is cohesion? Psychology Research and Reference. Retrieved from

http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/sports-psychology/team-building/what-is-cohesion/

Richardson, A. (2013). Sports psychology- group cohesion. IDFPA. Retrieved from

https://www.idfpa.net/sports-psychology---group-cohesion

Weinberg, R., & Gould, D. (2015). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology.

Human Kinetics.