Analyzing the impact of team-building interventions on team cohesion in sports teams: a meta-analysis study

Abstract

Introduction: Participation in team sports requires collaboration among multiple individuals over an extended period. Success in the game relies on more than just individual excellence; it necessitates effective teamwork. Team-building interventions have been shown to enhance team functioning, particularly in fostering cohesion among sports teams. This study aims to identify crucial factors in team-building interventions that contribute to improved team cohesion in sports teams. Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis of 15 articles was conducted to identify the crucial factors in team-building interventions that contribute to improved team cohesion in sports teams. The analysis focused on the age of participants, level of performance, and duration of interventions. Results: The results of the analysis revealed that the positive impact of team-building was found to be most pronounced when the participants were between 15 and 20 years old, performed at collegiate teams, and engaged in interventions lasting more than 2 weeks. Among the four types of cohesion in sports teams, individual attraction to the group task (ATG-T) emerged as the aspect most influenced by team-building interventions. Discussion: These findings provide valuable insights into the factors influencing the success of team-building interventions in enhancing team cohesion within sports teams.