The Effects of Structured Group Exercises on Cohesion, Engagement, Avoidance, and Conflict

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the use of structured group exercises on cohesion, engagement; avoidance, and conflict. Thirty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition or a control condition. The groups in the experimental condition began their group sessions with a 15-to 20-min group exercise. Groups in the control condition did not participate in any structured exercises. At the end of each session, subjects completed the Group Climate Questionnaire (Short Form) and theAttraction Scale. A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between time and structure for cohesion, engagement, and avoidance. Subsequent trend analysis indicated that trends were of a higher order for the control condition than for the experimental condition for all variables. This may indicate less recycling back to earlier developmental levels in the groups that incorporated the structured exercises. Subjects in the experimental condition were also significantly more satisfied with their group experience.