The Effect of Team Building on Cohesion

The present study examined the effectiveness of a multidimensional team building intervention on perceptions of cohesion in which the sport psychology consultant, coach, and athletes were actively involved. Participants were members of an intercollegiate softball team (n = 16). The Group Environment Questionnaire was administered at five times during the season. Responses were compared to a non-intervention control (n = 17). Qualitative information concerning team functioning was also acquired pre and post intervention through the use of focus group methodology. Results indicated that the intervention group reported significantly higher levels of cohesion following the intervention period compared to the control. These differences did not extend throughout the competitive season. Recommendations for future team building research are discussed. KEY WORDS: team building, cohesion Cette étude avait pour but d’examiner l’effet sur la perception de cohésion d’une intervention multidimensionnelle de constitution d’équipe et d’esprit d’équipe engageant la participation active d’un psychologue sportif, d’un entraîneur et d’athlètes. Le