An Agent Model of Pedestrian and Group Dynamics: Experiments on Group Cohesion

Background: To maintain increases in physical activity (PA), interventions that implement group dynamics principles and strategies with the intent of enhancing group cohesion may be advantageous. This study examined group cohesion and PA following a group dynamics-based PA intervention among breast cancer survivors. Methods: The study was designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing an 8-week group dynamics-based intervention with an individually supervised intervention. Group cohesion was measured by the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire, and PA was measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up using a self-report questionnaire and pedometer. Results: Group cohesion levels were high following the intervention and positively associated with PA at 3-month follow-up (ranger = .182–.555). At 3-month follow-up, 91.7% of participants in the group-dynamics-based intervention (n = 12) were classified as moderately active or greater, compared with 54.5% in the individually supervised intervention (n = 11). Conclusions: These results suggest that, for breast cancer survivors, peer support and fostering group cohesion as part of an exercise program may help to support PA following the completion of a structured intervention. A larger trial with longer follow-up is needed to establish comparative efficacy for a group-dynamics-based exercise intervention to enhance long-term PA adherence in breast cancer survivors.

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Intervenção Psicossocial em um Centro de Acolhida Especial para Mulheres em São Paulo

REVISTA PLURI ◽

10.26843/rpv122019p147-158 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 147

Author(s):

Esther Cabado Modia ◽

Raianny Martins Santos ◽

Amanda Morais Pereira da Silva

Keyword(s):

Group Dynamics ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

The Self ◽

Social Intervention ◽

São Paulo ◽

Current Management ◽

Social Agents ◽

Self Potential

A intervenção psicossocial (2018) centrou-se na qualidade das relações interpessoais dos funcionários e equipe técnica de um centro de acolhida para mulheres em vulnerabilidade social (CAE) e visou promover a conscientização da potencialidade de cada funcionário, reforçando seus pontos fortes, reconhecendo seus pontos fracos e, a partir disso, desenvolver uma reflexão acerca de como melhorar, por meio de ações concretas, seu desempenho dentro da instituição, estabelecendo a compreensão das delimitações de suas funções. O objetivo geral da proposta foi compreender as inter-relações de trabalho dentro do CAE e analisar como a subjetividade de cada funcionário influencia o funcionamento da instituição. Constou de um estudo de caso, uma atuação em campo, com caráter exploratório e características qualitativas de análise. As técnicas foram observacionais, entrevistas individuais e dinâmicas em grupo. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que os funcionários estão divididos, uns não aceitam a atual gestão e os demais por serem novatos ou indicados pela atual gestão, identificam-se com as novas propostas e estão mais satisfeitos. A intervenção buscou por meio da reflexão dos funcionários, evitar as contradições, em prol da coesão e do ambiente de trabalho mais saudável.Palavras-chave: Centro de acolhida. Psicologia do trabalho. Funcionários. Potencialidades. Agentes sociais. Instituição.AbstractFocusing on the laborers’ and technicians’ staff, the psycho-social intervention project aimed to promote an awareness of the self potential of each individual worker, reinforcing their strengths and recognizing their weaknesses and, by that, promote a reflection about the means of improving, by concrete actions, their effectiveness in the institution, establishing the delimitations of their own functions. The project was held in a Shelter Center for Women – Centro de Acolhida Especial para Mulheres (CAE) –, in São Paulo. The general target of this study was to understand the interrelations of work inside the CAE and analyze how the subjectivity of each worker influence the operation of the institution. The study consists of a Case Study, exploratory and of qualitative analysis characteristics. The techniques used were observation, interviews and group dynamics. The results of the study show that the workers are divided, some of them accepting the current management and others, being recently arrived or appointed by the management, identify oneself with the new propositions and have more satisfaction. The importance of this intervention was, by an exercise of self reflexion of the workers, to help them in avoiding contradictions in name of a group cohesion and a healthier work space.Keywords: Shelter Centre. Working psychology. Workers. Potentials. Social Agents. Institution.

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Sociodrama: action mechanisms and directing strategies at two public events

Revista Brasileira de Psicodrama ◽

10.15329/2318-0498.21021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 187-197

Author(s):

Anna Maria Knobel

Keyword(s):

Group Dynamics ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

The Other ◽

Relational Model ◽

Relational Structures ◽

Public Events ◽

Action Mechanisms ◽

Action Strategies ◽

Shared Goals ◽

Modes Of Interaction

The author describes the origins of morenian Sociodrama, its action mechanisms, its practices and the Director’s action strategies. She defines group, points to the existence of different focuses for directing: protagonist, spontaneous and relational, comprehensively showing the workings of the sociometric-relational model, which works through the affective forces of approximation, distancing or indifference of each participant concerning the other ones. It also shows that mutual choices produce group cohesion and discordant choices produce conflicting dynamics. She indicates that this type of practice holds its pillars: modes of interaction, shared goals and roles, relational structures and functioning group dynamics. The author uses as examples two public interventions on which the sociometric criteria were applied.

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Group Cohesion and Social Support in Exercise Classes: Results From a Danish Intervention Study

Health Education & Behavior ◽

10.1177/1090198105277397 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 677-689 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Ulla Christensen ◽

Lone Schmidt ◽

Esben Budtz-Jørgensen ◽

Kirsten Avlund

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Group Dynamics ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Mutual Support ◽

Grounded Theory Method ◽

Cohesive Group ◽

Exercise Activity ◽

Exercise Classes ◽

The Impact

This study examines the formation of group cohesion and social support in exercise classes among former sedentary adults, participating in a Danish community-based intervention. Furthermore, the aim is to analyze the impact of this process on exercise activity among the participants. A multimethod approach was used, analyzingboth survey data and 18 personalinterviews collected among87 participantswho completedthe intervention project. Analysis was performed according to the grounded theory method. The formation of group cohesion was conditioned by the social composition of the group, the teaching ability by the instructors, and the activity by itself. The cohesive group was characterized by an attitude of mutual support toward exercise activities. This mutual support facilitated development of self-efficacy beliefs among the participants improving their mastery expectation regarding exercise. Manipulating group dynamics may be a promising intervention tool in the promotion of leisure-time physical activity.

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Team Building and Group Cohesion in the Context of Sport and Performance Psychology

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology ◽

10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.186 ◽

2017 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mark Eys ◽

Jeemin Kim

Keyword(s):

Group Dynamics ◽

Team Performance ◽

Team Building ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Performance Psychology ◽

Group Outcomes ◽

Sport Teams ◽

And Performance ◽

Strong Body ◽

Targeted Approach

Over the past 30 years, researchers studying group dynamics in sport have provided insight regarding the importance of considering a team’s environment, structure, and processes for its effective functioning. An emergent property resulting from activities within the group is cohesion. Cohesion is a dynamic property reflecting members’ perceptions of the unity and personal attractions to task and social objectives of the group. Generally speaking, cohesion remains a highly valued group property, and a strong body of evidence exists to support positive links to important individual and group outcomes such as adherence and team performance. Given the importance attached to cohesion and other group variables for sport teams, coaches and athletes often attempt to engage in activities that facilitate group functioning. Team building is a specific approach designed to facilitate team effectiveness and individual members’ perceptions of their group. Cohesion has been the primary target of team-building interventions in sport, although recent work on team-building outcomes suggested that the effects of these interventions on cohesion may be limited. The most effective team-building approaches include a goal setting protocol, last at least two weeks in duration, and target a variety of outcomes in addition to cohesion, including individual cognitions and team performance. There is a clear need to identify a team’s requirements prior to intervening (i.e., a targeted approach), consider a variety of approaches to team building, and investigate the effects of team building via more stringent research methods.

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Longitudinal analysis of virtual community perceptions of cohesion: The role of cooperation, communication, and competition

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/1359105316667794 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (13) ◽

pp. 1677-1688

Author(s):

Annmarie A Lyles ◽

Colleen Loomis ◽

Scherezade K Mama ◽

Sameer Siddiqi ◽

Rebecca E Lee

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Group Dynamics ◽

Virtual Communities ◽

Group Interaction ◽

Virtual Community ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Competition And Cooperation ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Friendly Competition

Online, virtual group interactions may help adherence to health promotion programs. The purpose of this study was to explore longitudinal relationships among dimensions of group cohesion and group-interaction variables to inform and improve group-based strategies within programs aimed at promoting physical activity in virtual communities. In all, 56 online virtual users completed a group dynamics–based physical activity promotion intervention and assessments of group cohesion and group interaction at baseline and 4 weeks. Friendly competition and cooperation were consistently strong predictors of cohesion. Facilitating a sense of friendly competition and cooperation may increase engagement in physical activity programs by bolstering group cohesion.

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Determinants of cohesion in smallholder farmer groups in Uganda

Advancements in Agricultural Development ◽

10.37433/aad.v2i1.73 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 26-41

Author(s):

David Agole ◽

Edgar Yoder ◽

Mark A. Brennan ◽

Connie Baggett ◽

John Ewing ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Group Dynamics ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Perceived Equity ◽

Stage Process ◽

Farmer Groups ◽

And Performance ◽

Negative Relationships ◽

Group Facilitators

Cohesion is a fundamental determinant of performance in farmer groups in which collective action is pursued for the benefit of the members. The study examined the influence of individual members’ objectives, participation culture, group rewards, structure of tasks and perceived equity on cohesion of farmer groups that can promote access to agricultural extension services. Quantitative data were collected from 180 members of 19 farmer groups using questionnaires selected in a multi-stage process that combined purposive and random sampling. Qualitative data were gathered from 20 key informants in oral interviews and three focus group discussions. Regression analysis indicated that there were statistically significant negative relationships between individual members’ objectives, structure of the tasks, group reward system and cohesion of farmer groups. In contrast, perceived equity had a statistically significant positive relationship with cohesion in farmer groups. We recommend that, for sustainability of group cohesion, group facilitators work with the farmer groups to ensure alignment of group and NAADS institutions and performance indicators. A group dynamics perspective to understanding farmer group cohesion should be a helpful organizing principle.

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Discovering the leader of a volleyball team using the sociometric survey method

Timisoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal ◽

10.2478/tperj-2018-0004 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (20) ◽

pp. 27-33

Author(s):

Ioan Sabin Sopa ◽

Marcel Pomohaci

Keyword(s):

Group Dynamics ◽

Team Performance ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Group Leader ◽

Survey Method ◽

Observational Method ◽

Sport Team ◽

Good Group ◽

The Right ◽

Mutual Choice

Abstract Background: Some specialists have said that leaders are born, some said that they are made, but regardless of what you believe, finding the right leader can be very important to a sport team performance. The leader can be chosen by the coach, but is not always accepted by the team. So, we believe that it is important for the leader of the team to be elected by the members of the group; knowing the relationships between the members of a group can help build strong connections and good group cohesion. Aim: The present study evaluates the connections within a volleyball team, establishing the sympathy relationships, mutual choice or rejection between players. These relationships can reveal our group dynamics, structure and hierarchy, so after analyzing those factors we can determine the group leader, the marginalized individuals and group cohesion and status of each member in the team. We also tried to find out if the formal leader named by the coach matches the leader of the group and if improving the relationships within our volleyball team and finding the right leader can improve the performance of our team. The group included 12 mini volleyball players, aged 10-12, that play in the women’s national youth championship. Methods: We used the observational method, the survey method and the socio-metric test. Results: The results of our research showed that the socio-metric test confirmed our presumptions and we can see that leaders of our group are DC (3), with a social index of 1, and GI (5), with a social index of 0.55. The cohesiveness of our group is good, with 7 mutual election and 5 mutual rejections, the coefficient of group cohesion is 0.11, and the Index of group cohesion is 0.03. Conclusions: The conclusions of our study showed that our group has the right leader and good cohesiveness.

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The New Learning Environment Meets the General Needs of the Students Teacher for a Day

New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences ◽

10.18844/prosoc.v2i5.1060 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Alina Teurculet

Keyword(s):

Leadership Style ◽

Group Dynamics ◽

Teaching Styles ◽

Group Cohesion ◽

Two Dimensions ◽

Central Position ◽

Democratic Classroom ◽

New Learning ◽

The Impact ◽

Group Stratification

The issues of teaching styles represent a constant concern of contemporary pedagogy. The analysis of the determinants of educational styles is aimed at identifying effective style in relation to each educational context according to Fiedler’s contingency model. There are some opinions that effective educational style could be described by the interaction of two dimensions: control or independence and emotionality (Potolea et al., 1989; Iucu, 2008). A previous study conducted in 1939 by Lippitt showed that in the democratic classroom atmosphere, the teacher, as a formal leader, helped to make a central position in the group stratification accessible to all members, and a friendly spirit of work recognition existed between the members - items on co-operation, praise, constructive suggestions, and objective criticism. A dominating type of verbal expression appeared to be the only path left open by which members could strive toward status in autocratic classroom atmosphere (Lippitt, 1939). Previous studies highlighted the impact of culture within they occur on communication skills (Serbanescu, 2009). In these circumstances, we intend to conduct a study, at the level of primary education classes, in order to investigate the relation between the leadership style of the teacher and students achievements. Previous studies recorded better results regarding intrinsic motivation and group cohesion (Soar, 1972). We also intend to investigate the influence of democratic atmosphere on school results in terms of students' emotional potential. Keywords: Democratic classroom atmosphere; Formal and informal structures in group dynamics; Group cohesion; Results in terms of students' emotional potential

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