Flow in a Team Sport: Does Cohesion Matter?

The purpose of this study was to explore the
relationship between 'cohesion' and 'flow state'
in competitive Division I College rowers. Overall,
both social and task cohesion were significantly and
positively associated with flow state, and that task
cohesion produced significantly stronger positive
relationships. Rowers were, in effect, more
likely to achieve a flow state through positive task
cohesion than by having positive social
characteristics. Further analysis examined the
influence of performance outcome and competition
level on these relationships. Winning crews possessed
more and stronger relationships between flow and
cohesion than losing crews. In fact, losing crews
appeared to fail to achieve a flow state. The results
were supported by interview data that corroborated
crew members familiarity with a collective team flow
experience. This led to the discussion of a proposed
model of team harmony bridging existing models of
flow state and cohesion. There is a great deal that
is not fully understood about the concept of flow in
groups, but suggestions are made for further research
into this fascinating phenomenon.

Autorentext

Angus Mugford completed his PhD at the University of Kansas in2004, producing this piece of work as his doctoral dissertation.He has since moved on in the world of applied sport psychology,and is currently the Head of the Mental Conditioning Division atthe IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.

Klappentext

The purpose of this study was to explore therelationship between 'cohesion' and 'flow state'in competitive Division I College rowers. Overall,both social and task cohesion were significantly andpositively associated with flow state, and that taskcohesion produced significantly stronger positiverelationships. Rowers were, in effect, morelikely to achieve a flow state through positive taskcohesion than by having positive socialcharacteristics. Further analysis examined theinfluence of performance outcome and competitionlevel on these relationships. Winning crews possessedmore and stronger relationships between flow andcohesion than losing crews. In fact, losing crewsappeared to fail to achieve a flow state. The resultswere supported by interview data that corroboratedcrew members' familiarity with a collective team flowexperience. This led to the discussion of a proposedmodel of team harmony bridging existing models offlow state and cohesion. There is a great deal thatis not fully understood about the concept of flow ingroups, but suggestions are made for further researchinto this fascinating phenomenon.