title: Longitudinal analysis of virtual community perceptions of cohesion: The role of cooperation, communication, and competition.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 1 Arizona State University, USA.
authors.forename: Annmarie A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Lyles
authors.affiliation: 2 Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada.
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Loomis
authors.affiliation: 3 The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
authors.forename: Scherezade K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Mama
authors.affiliation: 4 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.
authors.forename: Sameer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siddiqi
authors.affiliation: 1 Arizona State University, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D000072001:Diet, Healthy / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D057566:Self Report; D012938:Social Perception; D000076142:Virtual Reality
keywords: group dynamics; group interaction; physical activity; virtual community