Reciprocity of the relationship between role ambiguity and group cohesion in youth interdependent sport

ObjectivesBased on the role episode model (Kahn, Wolfe, Quinn, Snoek, & Rosenthal, 1964), the purpose of this study was to examine the reciprocal relationship between role ambiguity (Beauchamp, Bray, Eys, & Carron, 2002) and group cohesion (Eys, Loughead, Bray, & Carron, 2009) in youth interdependent sport teams.DesignLongitudinal research with self-reported questionnaires.MethodsParticipants (N = 162; 12–18 years of age; M = 15.00 years) took part in two testing sessions (midseason vs. late-season) designed to gather information on individual perceptions of role ambiguity and group cohesion.ResultsAfter statistically controlling for status, gender, and team membership, results demonstrated that perceptions of social cohesion at midseason positively predicted variations in perceptions of scope of responsibilities and role behaviors in defense between mid- and end of season.ConclusionsThe need to belong (fundamental human motivation) and the unbalanced gender composition of the sample could explain the salience of social cohesion in the cohesion-role ambiguity relationship within youth interdependent sport teams. Results underlined that a part of role construction within youth teams is based on the peer social relationships developed between teammates. Implications are identified for youth practice. Limitations and future directions are addressed.

► We test a reciprocal relationship between role ambiguity and group cohesion.
► Youth athletes’ perceptions were assessed at mid- and end of season.
► Social cohesion predicts defensive scope of responsibilities and role behaviors.
► The need to belong and the composition of the sample could explain the results.