The Environment, Structure, and Interaction Process of Elite Same-Sex Dyadic Sport Teams

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine elite same-sex dyadic sport teams. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with elite beach volleyball athletes. The results of the analysis revealed three higher-order categories: (a) sport environment, which included elements related to participation in beach volleyball such as challenges and comparisons between partnerships and other sports; (b) dyad structure and composition, which included individual and relationship elements that created a sense of balance in the partnership; and (c) dyadic interaction process, which focused on developing communication and cohesion in the partnership and working toward an ideal state where interaction was efficient and effective. The results of the study extend group dynamics literature by studying the dyad as a separate group entity and by revealing information specific to this group of athletes.

Origins and Consequences of Tripartite Efficacy Beliefs Within Elite Athlete Dyads

“…In this study, the partner's perceived motivation, psychological factors (viewed as "calm," "levelheaded," "relaxed"), as well as physiological characteristics (e.g., strength) were reported as additional sources of athletes' confidence in their partners (other-efficacy). Although they did not use an efficacy framework, it is noteworthy that Wickwire, Bloom, and Loughead (2004) comparably concluded that within elite dyadic settings it is important for athletes to have partners that are motivated and psychologically strong. With regard to the physiological characteristics of the partner, a number of authors have suggested that individuals derive their expectations of others based on physical stereotypes (e.g., Lubker, Watson, Visek, & Geer, 2005;Snyder & Stukas, 1999), and in this study it was notable that athletes appeared to judge their confidence in their partner based on the apparent physical appearance and conditioning of that person (e.g., athletic, muscular).…”

On the Same Page in Sporting Dyads: Does Dissimilarity on 2 × 2 Achievement Goal Constructs Impair Relationship Functioning?

“…Accordingly, although relationship researchers have recently provided insight into the nature of coach-athlete interaction (Jowett & Poczwardowski, 2007), the factors associated with effective relationship processes when individuals train and perform together as a team (i.e., athlete-athlete partnerships) are not as well understood. In spite of the prevalence of athlete-athlete interaction (Wickwire, Bloom, & Loughead, 2004), and the pervasiveness of achievement goal theories in understanding athlete motivation, very little is known specifically regarding the ways in which achievement goals are linked to the quality of the relationships that athletes form with one another. As well as a pivotal role in shaping relationship longevity, positive dyadic experiences are also related to adaptive task functioning (e.g., performance, motivation) within sporting partnerships (e.g., Jackson, Knapp, & Beauchamp, 2008).…”

Interacción diádica en baile deportivo: características psicológicas

“…Estas dificultades en el desempeño del rol tienen impacto en el rendimiento individual de los atletas (Fabra et al, 2015) al menos en la relación diádica -entrenador-deportista como indican Jowett y Cockerill (2003); es posible por lo tanto que los dúos no señalen la existencia de conflictos de rol de tarea en sus vivencias puesto que éstos no se sostienen en el tiempo, sino que suponen la finalización de la relación de pareja al implicar un bajo rendimiento y un empobrecimiento de la relación (Checa, 2017). Por su parte, la comunicación diádica en Baile Deportivo se caracteriza por una alta densidad y la presencia estable del feedback en las interacciones de la pareja como ya destacaran Wickwire et al (2004) en parejas de voley playa masculinas. La experiencia compartida determina además la aparición de un código compartido, principalmente construido en base a lenguaje no verbal, como ya señalaran Lausic, Razon y Tenembaum.…”

“…Finalmente, todas las parejas entrevistadas señalaron la dificultad en crear y mantener un dúo estable de baile deportivo, incidiendo en la fragilidad de la relación en lo relativo a los conflictos o desequilibrios no resueltos. Aunque con dúos del mismo sexo, Wickwire et al (2004) señalaron que las parejas de voley playa llevaban a cabo diferentes estrategias que les permitían mantener el equilibrio en las interacciones y evitar de este modo el conflicto cuando no tiene un origen y/o significado importante para lo deportivo. Una gestión insuficiente del conflicto derivaría en situaciones de estrés y ansiedad en, al menos, uno de los miembros del dúo de baile deportivo (Gasparini, Landgraf y De Rose Jr., 2012).…”