Abstract
Using the Role Episode Model (Khan et al., 1964) as a foundation, the purpose of this study was to examine the reciprocal relationship between role ambiguity (Beauchamp et al., 2002) and group cohesion (Eys et al., 2009) in youth interdependent sport. Participants (N = 162; 12-18 years of age; M = 15.00 years) took part in two testing sessions (mid-season vs. late-season) designed to measure individual perceptions of role ambiguity and group cohesion within their respective teams. After statistically controlling for status, gender, and team membership, results demonstrated that perceptions of social cohesion at midseason positively predicted variations in perceptions of role ambiguity pertaining to scope of defensive responsibilities, F(2,104) = 35.12, p < .001, and role behaviours on defense, F(2,104) = 37.44, p < .001, between mid- and end of season. Results indicated that social relationships may play a part in role construction within sport teams and that other teammates may facilitate a clearer understanding of athletes' specific role sets within their team. Further, it was suggested that the need to belong (as a fundamental human motivation) and the importance of group level functions in peer relationships in adolescence could explain the salience of social cohesion in the cohesion-role ambiguity relationship for youth. Implications are identified for practice in youth sport, and limits and future directions are addressed.
