Kim D. Dorsch

Do individual perceptions of group cohesion reflect shared beliefs? An empirical analysis

This studys primary purpose was to examine the degree to which individual perceptions of cohesiveness reflect shared beliefs in sport teams. The secondary purposes were to examine how the type of cohesion, the task interactive nature of the group, and the absolute level of cohesion relate to the index of agreement. Teams (n = 192 containing 2,107 athletes) were tested on the Group Environment Questionnaire. Index of agreement values were greater for the group integration (GI) manifestations of cohesiveness (GI-task, rwg(j) = .721; GI-social,rwg(j) = .694) than for the individual attractions to the group (ATG) manifestations (ATG-task, rwg(j) = .621; ATG-social, rwg(j) = .563). No differences were found for interactive versus coactive/independent sport teams. A positive relationship was observed between the absolute level of cohesiveness and the index of agreement. Results were discussed in terms of their implication for the aggregation of individual perceptions of cohesion to represent the group construct.

Dietary supplement use in adolescents

Purpose of review As prevalence rates of dietary supplement use are observed to be increasing in adolescents and the population in general, questions need to be asked about the efficacy, motivations, and consequences of such usage. Focusing mainly on individuals between the ages of 12 to 19 (adolescents) this review will highlight current prevalence rates, types of supplements being consumed, reasons for consumption, and concerns regarding physiological, psychological, knowledge transfer, and regulatory aspects of supplement use. Recent findings Studies have indicated the prevalence of dietary supplement usage by adolescents range from approximately 10% to as high as 74%. Some of the highest rates of usage appear in chronically ill adolescents. Multivitamin and mineral preparations are the most common supplements being consumed; however, many studies indicate that adolescents are using other substances like creatine, herbals, or protein supplements. Some of the most appealing supplements among this age group are those that enhance athletic performance or physical appearance. Recent literature suggests three key moderating factors for supplement use in adolescents: health status, gender, and level of physical activity involvement. Summary As the dietary supplement industry is now a multi-billion dollar industry, there is growing pressure, and a subsequent need for research to establish the efficacy and safety of these products particularly for adolescent users. The psychological and educational components of such use cannot be ignored as they play an equally important role in the health and safety of adolescents.

Using Consensus as a Criterion for Groupness Implications for the Cohesion–Group Success Relationship

The purpose of the study was to examine how the exclusion of teams failing to meet varying statistical criteria for consensus on cohesiveness influences the magnitude of the cohesion– team success relationship. The index of agreement was calculated for 78 teams (N = 1,000 athletes) that had completed the Group Environment Questionnaire. Results showed that excluding teams because they fail to satisfy various criteria for consensus leads to changes in the magnitude of the cohesion–team success relationship. The magnitude of the relationship between team success and the individual attractions to group-task manifestation of cohesion showed progressive decreases as criteria required to demonstrate consensus became more stringent. Conversely, the magnitude of the relationship between team success and the group integration–task and group integration–social manifestations of cohesion showed progressive increases as criteria required to demonstrate consensus became more stringent. The results are discussed in terms of their relationship to group dynamics theory and practice.

The Development of a Typology of Abusive Coaching Behaviours within Youth Sport

The purpose of this article was to create the Typology of Coaching Transgressions model (TOCT), which is concerned with abuse, neglect and violence in youth sport. Comments provided by the Justplay Behaviour Management Program from two competitive hockey associations and one large soccer association were analyzed and sorted to assess the utility of the model to capture inappropriate coaching behaviours. A total of 540 comments were examined deductively using the TOCT. Approximately 80% of coaching transgressions were of an indirect nature (i.e., not directed at the athlete specifically), indicating that young athletes are exposed to forms of abuse, neglect, and violence that may create harm in ways not yet fully understood. These findings illuminate the importance of understanding the nature and impact of coaching conduct on youth sport participants.

Athlete Satisfaction and Leadership: Assessing Group-Level Effects

In a group context (e.g., athletic team), group-level effects may be present in constructs typically measured at the individual level (e.g., athlete satisfaction, leadership behavior). If a group-level effect is present, constructs should be analyzed using the group as the unit of analysis and failure to do so can lead to skewed relationships with other constructs. The purpose of this study is to examine the existence and magnitude of group-level effects when athletes rate athlete satisfaction and leadership behavior. The authors hypothesize: (a) group-level effects emerge when group members rate a shared property of the group, and (b) group-level effects may be present when group members rate an individual-level construct that exist within the context of the group. A total of 212 team athletes (members of 16 interactive athletic teams; mean age 20.1 ± 1.96 years) completed subscales of the Leadership Scale for Sports and the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results show large group-level effects for all leadership behavior dimensions and satisfaction dimensions associated with group-level constructs, whereas smaller group-level effects were found for satisfaction dimensions associated with individual-level constructs. The results support the hypotheses that group-level effects can emerge for constructs previously viewed solely as individual-level constructs when measured in a group setting. Recognition of these effects should play a factor in determining the appropriate unit of analysis. Implications for handling groups without a group-level effect, while the majority of groups show an effect, are also discussed.

Can Multiple Object Tracking Predict Laparoscopic Surgical Skills

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between multiple object tracking (MOT) and simulated laparoscopic surgery skills. METHODS A total of 29 second-year medical students were recruited for this study. The participants completed 3 rounds of a three-dimensional MOT and a simulated laparoscopic surgery task. Averages of the performance on the tasks were calculated. Descriptive variables (i.e., age, hours of sleep, caffeine, and video game use) were measured via questionnaires. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression models with surgical performance as the outcome variable. Predictor variable was the multiple objects tracking score and the descriptive variables. RESULTS The regression models revealed a significant prediction of simulated laparoscopic surgical skills by the multiple objects tracking score. In particular, 29% of the variance of time to completion and 28% of the average surgical arm movement were explained. In both regressions, the MOT score was the only significant predictor. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential implications of perceptual-cognitive training for future surgeons. Along with motor skill practice, MOT may aid to better prepare health care professionals for the complex cognitive demands of surgery.

Looking at youth hockey from a human rights perspective

Incidents of violence and abuse in organized hockey are not uncommon and reasons why they occur have long been debated without resolution. Attempts to change the way hockey is played, particularly at the youth levels, are sporadic and for the most part, ineffective. This paper suggests that a human rights approach, which incorporates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), may provide a legal, analytical and procedural framework that would help to make meaningful and lasting changes. The authors address four challenges faced by the youth hockey system to incorporating a human rights approach: (1) the usefulness of using a human rights approach; (2) understanding and defining violence and abuse against children; (3) governance in the youth sport sector; and (4) independent monitoring of youth sport. An overview of each challenge, as it pertains to youth hockey is presented, along with an understanding of which Articles of the UNCRC support legal obligations to resolve that particular challenge. Finally, strategies and their relevant provisions are presented for consideration, with the hope that a vision for youth hockey that includes protecting the emotional and physical dignity of the children playing is created.

Factorial validity and gender invariance of the center for epidemiological studies depression in cardiac rehabilitation patients.

PURPOSE: To find a best-fitting factor structure of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) and test whether this structure is invariant across gender in a cardiac rehabilitation population. METHODS: We examined the data from 920 participants of a cardiac rehabilitation exercise program. Fourteen confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine existing factor solutions from the literature. The best-fitting model was tested for invariance across gender. RESULTS: The data fit best to a 3-factor solution, which has 14 items and 3 factors (ie, somatic symptoms, negative affect, and anhedonia). The goodness-of-fit indices showed an acceptable fit. The invariance analysis revealed that the factor structure is equivalent across gender. CONCLUSIONS: While a fitting factor solution was found, rehabilitation practitioners and researchers need to be aware of the psychometrical shortcomings of the CES-D and consider using other scales as alternative measures of depressive symptoms.