The Relationship Between Team Cohesion Level and Social Skills in Student Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37359/JOPE.V38(3)2026.2417Keywords:
Team cohesion, social skills, student athletes, team sportsAbstract
This study examines the relationship between team cohesion level and social skills among student athletes. The rationale of the research is based on the assumption that participation in team sports contributes not only to physical development but also to social competence and interpersonal skills. The main objective of the study was to determine whether team cohesion is associated with social skills and to examine differences in team cohesion and social skills according to gender, age, and type of sport. A quantitative research design was adopted, and the social survey method was used. Data were collected from 250 male and female student athletes studying at Kütahya Dumlupınar University through a questionnaire including a demographic information form, the Team Cohesion Scale, and the Social Skills Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26 software. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses were conducted. The results revealed that student athletes exhibited relatively high levels of both team cohesion and social skills. Significant differences were found in team cohesion and social skills according to gender, age, and type of sport. Moreover, a strong and positive relationship was found between team cohesion and social skills. Regression analysis indicated that team cohesion was a significant predictor of social skills. These findings highlight the importance of fostering team cohesion in university sports settings to enhance the social development of student athletes.
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