Understanding the Relationships Among Social Cohesion, the Coach-Athlete Relationship, and Socioeconomic Status of High School Softball and Baseball Players

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.