Cohesion and performance in soccer: A causal model

Abstract

The conceptual model of sport cohesion that Carron developed describes the relationships between cohesion and performance including the antecedents and consequences of the variables. Although researchers have conducted a plethora of studies around the relationship between cohesion and performance, there is a gap in literature regarding longitudinal changes of this relationship as well as its direction. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine the relationship between cohesion and performance for soccer teams during a full competitive season as well as the direction of the relationship. The study suggests a new model for the relationship between cohesion and performance. In total, 173 Greek soccer players (M=21.91) completed the Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron et al., 1985) in all the measurements from the beginning of the preparation to the end of the competitive season. The results showed that cohesion and performance are two variables that affect each other in soccer, with a stronger direction from cohesion to performance. However, cohesion affects performance either positively or negatively throughout the season.