The effects of a psychological skills training program on the cohesion of a men's soccer team

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a psychological skills training program on the cohesion of a men's soccer team during a playing season. Thirty subjects were divided into an experimental group (first team) and a control group (reserve team).  All subjects were measured on cohesiveness items before, in the middle, and after a seven-month psychological intervention program. Seven items were used from Sports Cohesion Questionnaire (SCQ) to measure the cohesion of the team by including both social and task elements. Test data were collected and analyzed. It was found that participants (first team players) in the seven-month intervention program did exhibit increased cohesiveness among team members and between team members and the coach. There are many positive consequences associated with enhanced team cohesion. Coaches should work to increase the task and social cohesion among members of soccer teams.

Keywords: Soccer Cohesion, Social Cohesion, Task Cohesion, Intervention Program