Abstract
Group dynamics is an established field of exercise and sport psychology research (Eys & Brawley, 2018). However, sport group dynamics research has primarily focused on younger, elite athletes. Recently, Gayman et al. (2022) highlighted how group dynamics are experienced by older adults (e.g., leadership in the absence of a formal coach). Similarly, middle-aged athletes (i.e., 35-55 years) may have unique experiences within their teams (e.g., roles) and personal lives (e.g., childcare) that impact their sport participation and their team’s dynamics. The purpose of the current study was to qualitatively explore the perceptions of group dynamics in recreationally and competitively oriented middle-aged adult athletes. In total, 10 athletes (7 females; Mage = 44.3 years) participated in semi-structured interviews and responded to questions about their experiences of group dynamics on their adult sport teams. Template analysis (King, 2016) was conducted to analyze the interview data based on the conceptual framework for the study of sport teams (Eys et al., 2020). Participants emphasized the importance of membership to (and competing against) teams that had similar skill and intensity, and how the incongruency of motives led to conflict and dropout. Leadership perceptions were also impacted by the presence of a coach (or lack thereof), and teams heavily relied upon athlete leaders. Lastly, age-related factors (e.g., pregnancy, childcare, work) influenced group size, player status (e.g., part-time players), and the ability to practice. The findings of this study highlight the inherent nuances of adult athletes that are important considerations for future group dynamics research and practice.
