Zakry Walsh, Mark Eys

Cohesion is one of the most studied group dynamics constructs in sport and exercise (Eys & Brawley, 2018) and refers to a group’s unity in achieving its goals and objectives (Carron, 1982). Historically, cohesion has been conceptualized as having two categories (i.e., group integration, attractions to the group) and two foci (i.e., task and social cohesion), which are combined to create four dimensions. Within an exercise context, researchers have attempted to apply interventions to enhance cohesion perceptions with an ultimate downstream goal to increase physical activity (PA) engagement. Specifically, group dynamics-based interventions (e.g., team building) often aim to foster cohesion through targeted strategies, which have been linked to increased PA (e.g., Spink & Carron, 1993). Recently, Eys and Beauchamp (2025) proposed a reconceptualization and revised theoretical model of cohesion that narrows the dimensions of cohesion to social and task integration only, positing that cohesion is a distinct emergent state that influences, and is influenced by, other group dynamics constructs (e.g., social identity). These theoretical developments, and likely importance of cohesion in PA, warrant a re-examination of cohesion in exercise. The purpose of this proposed study will be to synthesize and communicate the application of cohesion-oriented group PA interventions through a critical review (Grant & Booth, 2009). Specifically, articles examining cohesion interventions will be collected and reviewed to determine (1) how cohesion has been fostered in PA contexts, (2) how the existing literature aligns with the revised model of cohesion, and (3) future directions for group dynamics-based PA interventions and research.