Understanding the Relationships Among Social Cohesion, the Coach-Athlete Relationship, and Socioeconomic Status of High School Softball and Baseball Players
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2010
Department
Human Performance and Recreation
Abstract
While the relationship between the coach-athlete relationship and social cohesion has been explored (Jowett & Chaundy, 2004), the subjects of this research have been college students, and minimal consideration has been given to the demographics, such as socioeconomic status, of these individuals. The goal of this research was to examine the effects of socioeconomic status on the coach-athlete relationship and social cohesion of baseball and softball players in central and south Mississippi. Data was collected from 141 participants from nine high schools that were selected based on socioeconomic status. The Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ; Carron, Brawley & Widmeyer, 2002), Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q; Jowett & Chaundy, 2004; Jowett & Ntoumanis, 2004), and demographic questions were used to determine athletes' perception of social cohesion of the coach-athlete relationship and socioeconomic status, respectively. Results indicated that socioeconomic status acted as a buffer, weakening the relationship between social cohesion and the coach-athlete relationship. Results also showed a significant, positive relationship between socioeconomic status and social cohesion. Finally, results indicated no relationship between socioeconomic status and the coach-athlete relationship.
Publication Title
Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education
Volume
4
Issue
1
First Page
9
Last Page
22
Recommended Citation
Cottingham II, M., Blom, L., Burchell, S., & Johnson, J. (2010). Understanding the relationships among social cohesion, the coach-athlete relationship, and socioeconomic status of high school softball and baseball players. Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education, 4(1), 9-22.