Abstract des Autors

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of a psychological intervention program focusing on team-building principles on the cohesion in soccer teams. Perceptions of cohesion of athletes in team-building, control, and attention-placebo control conditions were assessed prior to the beginning of the season and then after an eight-week intervention period. Assessment of athletes' satisfaction with both personal and team performance as well as the monitoring of coaching behavior showed the treatment conditions were comparable on these variables. Results showed that the team-building intervention was not successful in enhancing perceptions of cohesiveness. A post-manipulation check of athletes' awareness of the team building components provided support for a number of possible explanations. Implications for future research are discussed. Verf.-Referat