Antecedents, correlates, and psychological consequences of group cohesion in youth sport: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v85.120034Keywords:
Adolescence, cohesion, group dynamic, team sport, young athletesAbstract
Introduction: Group cohesion is an important construct for athletes’ performance and positive sport experiences. Its social effects may be particularly relevant during adolescence, a developmental stage characterized by greater susceptibility to social influence. However, systematic evidence specifically addressing group cohesion in youth sport remains limited.
Objective: To identify the psychological constructs associated with group cohesion in youth sport teams through a systematic review.
Methodology: The PRISMA protocol guided the review. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus. Studies involving athletes aged 12–18 years were included. Methodological quality was assessed, and 49 studies were included from 3,099 records identified.
Results: Carron’s conceptual model was the predominant theoretical framework (n = 46). Across studies, 43 psychological constructs were investigated, with coach leadership (n = 7), basic psychological needs satisfaction and motivation (n = 7 each), coach-initiated motivational climate (n = 6), and collective efficacy (n = 5) being the most frequently examined.
Discussion: The findings indicate that group cohesion is associated with diverse individual and group-level psychological constructs, with particular emphasis on leadership, motivational climate, psychological needs, motivation, and collective efficacy. However, evidence remains fragmented across constructs.
Conclusions: Future research should increase the number of investigations addressing each construct, expand methodological diversity, and improve sampling procedures. Greater attention should also be given to the use of instruments specifically validated for youth sport populations.
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