Longitudinal analysis of minority women's perceptions of cohesion: the role of cooperation, communication, and competition.
BACKGROUND
Interaction in the form of cooperation, communication, and friendly competition theoretically precede the development of group cohesion, which often precedes adherence to health promotion programs. The purpose of this manuscript 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.


METHODS
Ethnic minority women completed a group dynamics-based physical activity promotion intervention (N = 103; 73% African American; 27% Hispanic/Latina; mage = 47.89 + 8.17 years; mBMI = 34.43+ 8.07 kg/m2) and assessments of group cohesion and group-interaction variables at baseline, 6 months (post-program), and 12 months (follow-up).


RESULTS
All four dimensions of group cohesion had significant (ps < 0.01) relationships with the group-interaction variables. Competition was a consistently strong predictor of cohesion, while cooperation did not demonstrate consistent patterns of prediction.


CONCLUSIONS
Facilitating a sense of friendly competition may increase engagement in physical activity programs by bolstering group cohesion.
Samantha M
SM
Harden
Virginia Tech, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA. estabrkp@vt.edu.
Paul A
PA
Estabrooks
Scherezade K
SK
Mama
Rebecca E
RE
Lee
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups; D009043:Motor Activity; D012932:Social Facilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires