PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 3 Working with Diverse Populations on Social Cohesion

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 8842 Applied Sport Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Working with Diverse Populations on Social Cohesion

A team’s success, whether at the amateur or professional level, heavily relies on social cohesion. Cohesion, as described by Eys and Kim (2017), refers to athletes’ perceptions of unity and their personal commitment to both the team’s tasks and social goals. Achieving this cohesion can be particularly difficult, especially for National Football League (NFL) clubs, which experience an average of over 200 transactions each season (Spotrac, 2019). This challenge is further complicated by significant social issues such as police brutality and racial inequality in the United States, making the pursuit of cohesion even more challenging. Despite initial reservations, the NFL officially adopted social justice initiatives, particularly through the Inspire Change Program (NFL, 2020), following a former player’s kneeling protest during the National Anthem in 2016.

The demographic makeup of NFL athletes adds another layer of complexity to efforts aimed at fostering cohesion. According to The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (2019), 70.1% of NFL athletes are non-white, which stands in stark contrast to the 39.9% non-white population in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). Until recently, the league’s public support for its non-white players had been insufficient. Therefore, addressing cohesion requires tailored strategies for different athlete groups, grounded in an understanding of their unique backgrounds and experiences.

For white athletes, it is essential to cultivate an understanding of racial inequality and its effects on their non-white peers. This can involve simple yet impactful activities that draw on personal experiences, such as reflecting on instances of unfair treatment based on arbitrary differences, like offensive versus defensive roles (NFL Communications, 2020). In contrast, non-white athletes need environments that promote open dialogue, which requires patience from their white counterparts, who may need time to comprehend unfamiliar concepts shaped by their distinct upbringings (Crace & Hardy, 1997).

PSY FPX 8842 Assessment 3 Working with Diverse Populations on Social Cohesion

Similarly, coaching staff must navigate gender dynamics to foster social cohesion. Despite the increasing participation of women in football, the coaching landscape remains predominantly male. This gender imbalance, highlighted by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (2019), emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to address gender-based biases and microaggressions within coaching circles (Yang & Carroll, 2018).For male coaches, it is vital to recognize and address unconscious biases, including microaggressions. Empowering female coaches involves equipping them with assertiveness training and conflict resolution skills to manage potential tensions that may arise from differing coaching styles (Hanrahan & Andersen, 2010).

In conclusion, direct intervention is the most effective strategy for promoting social cohesion among coaches and athletes. Yukelson’s (1997) four-part intervention model—assessment, education, brainstorming, and implementation—offers a structured framework for facilitating team-building initiatives. By actively engaging participants in the process, this approach enhances receptivity and reduces the impact of preconceived notions, thereby fostering inclusive environments that support cohesion (Eys & Kim, 2017).

However, while progress toward cohesion is commendable, cultural nuances and individual differences present ongoing challenges. Continuous vigilance is essential to prevent exclusionary behaviors and maintain a balance between social closeness and constructive criticism, which is crucial for sustained progress in task cohesion within sports teams.

References

Eys, M., & Kim, J. (2017). Team Building and Group Cohesion in the Context of Sport and Performance Psychology. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology, 0. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.186

Hanrahan, S. J., & Andersen, M. B. (2010). Routledge handbook of applied sport psychology: A comprehensive guide for students and practitioners. Abingdon, Oxon, England: Routledge.

National Football League. (2020). SOCIAL JUSTICE INSPIRING CHANGE IN COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE. https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/xbqfviillqpzixhy6cz1.pdf

NFL Communications. (2020). Houston, Florida, Saint Thomas Aquinas produce most NFL players. https://nflcommunications.com/Pages/Houston,-Florida,-Saint-Thomas-Aquinasproduce-most-NFL-players.aspx

Spotrac. (2019). NFL Transactions. Spotrac.Com. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/transactions/