Group Cohesion Among Team Sports Athletes of Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Abstract

This study explores the group cohesion levels among male team sports student-athletes at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative approach, data were gathered through the use of Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) to assess cohesion levels across basketball, volleyball, football, baseball, and sepak takraw teams. Findings revealed that tenure has a significant influence on task cohesion and group integration, with senior athletes demonstrating a stronger sense of unity and commitment to team goals compared to their junior counterparts. However, social cohesion appears to remain stable across different year levels, suggesting that interpersonal relationships among teammates form early and persist over time. Additionally, variations in cohesion levels were observed across different sports, indicating that the nature of the sport itself may impact the way athletes bond and interact. These findings highlight the importance of fostering both task and social cohesion in collegiate sports programs, as strong cohesion not only enhances performance but also contributes to athlete motivation and overall team dynamics. The study provides valuable insights for coaches, sports psychologists, and athletic program developers, emphasizing the need for structured interventions and team-building initiatives to strengthen cohesion and optimize team success. Keywords: Team cohesion, group dynamics, and student-athletes, with a particular focus on task cohesion and social cohesion tenure in sports, and collegiate athletics