The Team Behind the Team: Factors Underpinning Group Cohesion Within High-Performance Sport Coaching and Athlete Support Teams

Background : High-performance sport organizations have become increasingly complex social environments, comprising of a diverse range of performance staff roles. Despite the prominence of high-performance sport coaching and athlete support teams (CaASTs), research concerning their processes is limited and has only begun to materialize. Group cohesion, a dynamic process reflecting how groups remain united to satisfy needs and pursue shared goals, is one aspect of group dynamics that may influence their performance. Aims : The aim of the present study was to examine the factors influencing group cohesion within the context of high-performance sport CaASTs. Methods : Qualitative data was collected through realistic theory-led interviews with coaches and practitioners operating across five high-performance sport programs. A total of 24 participants ( M_age = 45.43 years; M_service = 4.13 years) discussed perceptions and experiences of factors influencing cohesion within their CaAST environment. Interviews lasted 47–96 min ( M_length = 70 min). Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to identify themes and subthemes. Findings : Findings highlight four high-order themes and 26 low-order themes influencing group cohesion within the context of high-performance sport CaASTs. These findings aim to contribute to the growing literature on group dynamics within high-performance sport CaASTs, and to support applied practice within this context.