cohesión grupal
May 11 2020
Group cohesion: key to building a successful team

Due to the pandemic, competitive seasons have suddenly come to an end for many athletes. The sense of loss is just as grand for all athletes, however the emotional impact this has on team members may take its toll on the team itself. How do you stick together when you’ve dedicated an entire year to training for no good reason?

It all comes back to group cohesion. Teams that are looking to survive the storm and continue to pursue their goals will have to fall back on their cohesion. The goal of this article is to dive into this construct: what does it mean and how can we build it?

What is group cohesion?

Cohesion had been defined as a “the tendency for a group to stick together and remain united in the pursuit of its instrumental objectives and/or for the satisfaction of member affective needs” (Carron, Brawley, & Widmeyer, 1998). The next step was to discover how this construct interacted with other psychosocial variables.

One of the most influential factors on developing higher group cohesion is team performance. If things are going well, it’s easier to stay together. Overtime, however, it becomes a cycle that feeds off itself in the sense that performance begets cohesion begets performance.

But what happens when expectations aren’t met? Or when you’re suddenly denied the opportunity to perform at the competition you’ve been training for all year? You can’t rely on performance to glue your team together, so you must work on developing group cohesion beforehand.

How to develop group cohesion

group cohesion
Team Reebok CrossFit One at the 2018 CrossFit Games. Source: Rogue Fitness

Team building interventions focus their efforts on improving cohesion in both directions: task cohesion – perception of a common goal to which all members work towards – and social cohesion – perception of a sense of belonging to the group in a more psychosocial manner. Actions include:

  • Maximizing points in common and minimizing borders: furthering knowledge of the idiosyncrasy of the group (both virtues and flaws) strengthens the bond.
  • Clarifying goals and borders that separate us from other teams: what makes my team so different and appealing to me as an individual?
  • Solving problems as a group: athletes tend to expect autocratic behavior from their coaches but no so much from their teammates. Democratic behaviors in decision-making processes helps develop cohesion.
  • Sense of belonging to the team (in a behavioral and cognitive sense): the presence symbols of union among team members (wearing team colors, matching headbands, group chats, etc.) heightens sense of belonging. My role as a “team member” must be present in my identity to some extent to build a lasting bond with my teammates.
  • Setting team behavioral rules: i.e., mandatory weekly group meetings, spending a pre-established period of time together prior to competitive events, etc.

Athlete leadership: a complementary tool

Athlete leadership may occur formally or informally, but its influence on developing group cohesion is paramount. Chelladurai & Saleh (1980) identified five dimensions that explained group cohesion:

  • Social Support (i.e., offering emotional support to an athlete that’s dealing with failure in competition)
  • Training and Instruction (i.e., offering tactile cue to help athlete string bar muscle-ups)
  • Positive Feedback (i.e., rewarding the team with holidays after winning a tournament)
  • Democratic Behavior (i.e., including group members in the decision process)
  • Autocratic Behavior (i.e., acting independently in decision making)

Athlete leaders may emerge in one of two ways: spontaneously in response to needs within the team being identified (further instruction, emotional support, …) or formally being designated as team captain. Both alternatives play their part in a team’s well-being because they help manage all dimensions described within group cohesion.

James Hobart once mentioned that he considered their team dynamics to be crucial to the success of CrossFit Mayhem Freedom. He exemplified it with the happenings of one particular event at the Games that included rope climbs. Those proved to be quite difficult and at a certain point he looked around to see how other teams were managing it, only to find that most of them were screaming at each other and pretty much losing it. Meanwhile, Matt Hewett (teammate at the time) was gently massaging one of their female teammates forearms to help her recover for another attempt.

At that time, their teammate needed support and a calm, collected atmosphere to try and complete the task. This was provided by Matt. And quite possibly no other team member was able to do that at the time, which makes that simple action an incredible showing of athlete leadership and group cohesion.

Know your teammate; grow your team

group cohesion
Team The Traktor at the Dubai CrossFit Championship. Source: thetraktor

Group cohesion, as we’ve seen, rests upon numerous factors. However, there seems to be a common thread that has to do with knowledge and understanding. Accepting your team members as they are, allowing group dynamics to evolve in response to changes in situational demands and staying true to common goals will ultimately hold the team together through thick and thin.

If you’re an athlete and you feel like channeling that competitive fire on a team, aside from looking at what you have to offer as an athlete, think about what you have to offer as a human being to help build a cohesive team.












- Carron, A. V. (1982). Cohesiveness in sport groups: Interpretations and considerations. Journal of Sport psychology, 4(2).
- Carron, A. V., Brawley, L. R., & Widmeyer, W. N. (1998). The measurement of cohesiveness in sport groups. Advances in sport and exercise psychology measurement, 23(7), 213-226.
- Chelladurai, P., & Saleh, S. D. (1980). Dimensions of leader behavior in sports: Development of a leadership scale. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2(1), 34-45.
- Ramzaninezhad, R., Keshtan, M. H., Shahamat, M. D., & Kordshooli, S. S. (2009). The relationship between collective efficacy, group cohesion and team performance in professional volleyball teams. Brazilian Journal of Biomotricity, 3(1), 31-39.
- Vincer, D. J., & Loughead, T. M. (2010). The relationship among athlete leadership behaviors and cohesion in team sports. The Sport Psychologist, 24(4), 448-467.
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perfectionism
May 7 2020
Does perfectionism hurt or aid athletes?

One of the most notorious traits in elite-level athletes is perfectionism. Given its prevalence among these individuals, it is sometimes argued that it predicts success in sports. The goal of this article is to further explore this construct in hopes to determine the real nature of its influence on athletic performance.

Perfection: a double-edged sword

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait represented by three key aspects: “beliefs of a self-demand for excellence and the inclination to set high standards for performance, followed by a hypercritical self-evaluation and high concern focused on errors” (Frost et. al, 1990).

Perfectionism is built upon an irrational belief that there is a correct, precise and perfect solution to a problem and that failing to find this solution is tragic (Ellis, 1962). What this causes is a never-ending quest for excellence joined by extreme self-evaluation and criticism.

At this point, one begins to envision a dichotomy: if I meet the requirements and reach what I consider “perfection”, I’m golden; but what happens if I’m not up to par? Here’s when we have to introduce the notions of perfectionist concerns, on the one hand, and perfectionist efforts on the other (Stoeber, 2014).

Perfectionist concerns

Perfectionist concerns can manifest in various ways:

  • Execution errors: “I can’t miss a single legless rope climb in this workout”
  • Self-evaluation: “Did I do everything I could or did I miss something?”
  • Uncertainty: “Did I do enough to qualify?”
  • External expectations and other uncontrollable factors: “What will my coach think of me?”
  • Giving too much importance to precision, order and organization: “This is what I’m best at. I can’t fail here.”

All this background noise can stir up quite the commotion, to the point the athlete’s performance is severely hindered. Investigations to this respect reveal direct relations between perfectionist concerns and fear of failure, stress, depression, anxiety, low self-confidence and avoidance behaviors (González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

Perfectionist efforts

Perfectionist efforts reflect “a tendency to maintain perspective on performances while striving to achieve exceptional standards” (Rees et. al, 2016). These are positively related to self-confidence in competition, better relationship with peers, higher self-esteem, positive emotions and better coping strategies (Jowell et. al, 2016; González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

Moreover, perfectionist efforts are directly related to less competitive anxiety, less fear of failure as well as higher motivation to train and progress. There’s more task-oriented focus and the goal-setting process is based on performance and mastery both in training and competition (González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

The pursuit of functional perfectionism

How can we transition to a more functional perfectionist? The main difference between functional and dysfunctional perfectionism seems to be the excess of self-criticism. When we’re continuously evaluating our performance in a negative tone, we increase the chances of letting in the negative consequences of perfectionism.

perfectionism

“Well, if I fail,  good. I have something new to work on. I have something new to get better at.”

Mat Fraser

Functional perfectionism, however, provides valuable resources that allow the athlete to manage different stressors and adapt to specific demands in their sport (whether individual or team). So, in summary, (dysfunctional) perfectionism can enhance athletic performance.

Coaching staff and athletes must work towards improving self-regulation skills, planning skills, management of emotional responses and expectations to restructure perfectionist beliefs (González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

It’s about striving for perfection when you know you can’t reach it. Climbing a never-ending staircase. Climbing a mountain without ever seeing the summit. It’s quite the paradox come to think of it, but understanding that we’re looking for something that doesn’t exist, leaves us a little closer.











- Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York: Lyle Stuart.
- Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., and Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cogn. Ther. Res. 14, 449–468. doi: 10.1007/BF0117
2967
- González-Hernández, J., Capilla Díaz, C., Gómez-López, M., & Raimundi, J. (2019). Impulsiveness and cognitive patterns. Understanding the perfectionistic responses in Spanish competitive junior athletes. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 1605.
- Jowett, G. E., Mallinson, S. H., and Hill, A. P. (2016). “An independent effects approach to perfectionism in sport, dance, and exercise,” in The Psychology of Perfectionism in Sport, Dance and Exercise, ed. A. P. Hill (Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group), 85–149.
- Rees, T., Hardy, L., Güllich, A., Abernethy, B., Côté, J., Woodman, T., Montgomery, H., Laing, S. & Warr, C. (2016). The great British medalists project: a review of current knowledge on the development of the world’s best sporting talent. Sports Medicine, 46, 1041-1058
- Stoeber, J. (2014). Perfectionism in sport and dance: a double-edged sword. Int. J. Sport Psychol. 45, 385–394
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perfectionism
May 7 2020
El atleta perfeccionista, ¿el atleta mejor?

Uno de los rasgos más salientes en atletas de élite es el perfeccionismo. Dada su prevalencia en este grupo de deportistas, suele argumentarse que predice el éxito deportivo. El objetivo de este artículo es profundizar en este constructo con la esperanza de describir su verdadera influencia en el rendimiento deportivo.

Las dos caras de la perfección

Se trata de un rasgo multidimensional de la personalidad que se caracteriza por tres aspectos clave: autoexigencia para alcanzar estándares de excelencia; autoevaluación hipercrítica; y una gran preocupación por los fallos (Frost et. al, 1990).

En el núcleo del perfeccionismo anida una creencia irracional de que existe una solución correcta, precisa y perfecta para un problema y que no acertar a encontrar esa solución es una tragedia (Ellis, 1962). Esto lo que genera es una excesiva búsqueda orientada al logro acompañada de una autoevaluación extrema.

A primera vista ya uno empieza a vislumbrar una dicotomía: si cumplo los requisitos y alcanzo lo que considero “perfección”, estoy bien; pero ¿qué pasa si me quedo corto? Es en este punto en el que debemos empezar a hablar de las preocupaciones de perfeccionismo, por un lado, y los esfuerzos de perfeccionismo por otro (Stoeber, 2014).

Preocupaciones de perfeccionismo

Las preocupaciones de perfeccionismo tienen diversas vertientes:

  • Errores de ejecución: “no puedo fallar ninguna ocasión de gol”; “tengo que conseguir todas las legless rope climbs a la primera”.
  • Autoevaluación: “¿he hecho todo lo que podía hacer o me he dejado algo?”
  • Incertidumbre: “¿habrá sido suficiente para ganar el torneo?”
  • Expectativas externas y otros factores incontrolables: “¿qué pensarán mi entrenador y mis compañeros?”
  • Dar demasiada importancia a la precisión, orden y organización: “el club quiere que ganemos la liga; no podemos perder”.

Todo este ruido de fondo puede llegar a generar tal malestar en el atleta que su rendimiento se ve perjudicado. Así ocurre que las investigaciones a este respecto revelan relaciones directas entre las preocupaciones perfeccionistas y el miedo al fracaso, estrés, depresión, ansiedad, baja autoconfianza y evitación de situaciones de rendimiento (González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

Esfuerzos de perfeccionismo

Los esfuerzos de perfeccionismo reflejan una tendencia a mantener cierta perspectiva a la hora de evaluar el rendimiento sin dejar de aspirar a unos estándares excepcionales (Rees et. al, 2016). Se relacionan positivamente con la autoconfianza en competición, mejores relaciones con compañeros, mayor autoestima, emociones positivas y afrontamiento eficaz de situaciones difíciles (Jowett et. al, 2016; González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

Más aún, a mayor presencia de esfuerzos de perfección encontramos menores niveles de ansiedad competitiva y menos miedo al fracaso, además de una mayor motivación para entrenar y progresar. Se da una mayor orientación a la tarea y un establecimiento de objetivos basado en el rendimiento y la maestría tanto en entrenamiento como en competición (González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

En busca de un perfeccionismo funcional

Como hemos visto, el perfeccionismo puede ser adaptativo y contribuir a mejorar el rendimiento deportivo. El elemento distintivo entre perfeccionismo adaptativo y disfuncional parece ser la autocrítica excesiva. Cuando evaluamos nuestro propio rendimiento en un tono crítico y negativista, se incrementan las posibilidades de provocar las consecuencias más negativas vinculadas al perfeccionismo.

“Si fallo, bien. Ya tengo algo en lo que trabajar.”

Mat Fraser

El perfeccionismo funcional, en cambio, proporciona recursos personales muy valiosos para gestionar distintas situaciones y adaptarse a las demandas específicas de cada modalidad deportiva (ya sea individual o colectiva). Respondiendo a la pregunta inicialmente formulada: el atleta perfeccionista (disfuncional) sí es el atleta mejor.

Los esfuerzos del cuerpo técnico y del atleta deben dirigirse a trabajar habilidades de autorregulación, planificación, gestión emocional y manejo de expectativas para reestructurar las creencias perfeccionistas (González-Hernández et. al, 2019).

Sería algo así como no dejar de aspirar a la perfección pese a saber que ésta no existe. Seguir subiendo peldaños en una escalera que no termina. Escalar una montaña sin llegar a ver nunca la cima. No deja de ser paradójico, pero entender que lo que buscamos no existe, nos dejará mucho más cerca. 














- Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York: Lyle Stuart.
- Frost, R. O., Marten, P., Lahart, C., and Rosenblate, R. (1990). The dimensions of perfectionism. Cogn. Ther. Res. 14, 449–468. doi: 10.1007/BF0117
2967
- González-Hernández, J., Capilla Díaz, C., Gómez-López, M., & Raimundi, J. (2019). Impulsiveness and cognitive patterns. Understanding the perfectionistic responses in Spanish competitive junior athletes. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 1605.
- Jowett, G. E., Mallinson, S. H., and Hill, A. P. (2016). “An independent effects approach to perfectionism in sport, dance, and exercise,” in The Psychology of Perfectionism in Sport, Dance and Exercise, ed. A. P. Hill (Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group), 85–149.
- Rees, T., Hardy, L., Güllich, A., Abernethy, B., Côté, J., Woodman, T., Montgomery, H., Laing, S. & Warr, C. (2016). The great British medalists project: a review of current knowledge on the development of the world’s best sporting talent. Sports Medicine, 46, 1041-1058
- Stoeber, J. (2014). Perfectionism in sport and dance: a double-edged sword. Int. J. Sport Psychol. 45, 385–394
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