The relationship between attachment style and important elite sport team variables : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to extend group attachment theory research by Smith, Murphy, and Coats (1999) and apply it within a sport team context. The relationship between attachment and important sport team variables, namely leadership, cohesion, and collective efficacy, was explored. Data were collated by on-site administration of a questionnaire consisting of the Social Group Attachment Scale (SGAS), the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS), the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ), and the Collective Efficacy Scale. The sample included 173 elite female netball players from 16 teams competing in the U17 and U19 New Zealand National Championships. Results demonstrate that both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance had significant negative correlations with almost all subscales from the GEQ and collective efficacy measure. However, attachment avoidance revealed enlarged significance and strength in the relationships. Similarly, attachment avoidance demonstrated a significant positive relationship with three leadership subscales, whereas attachment anxiety did not. Attachment avoidance demonstrates a stronger relationship with the variables under investigation, suggesting this style of attachment may have a more detrimental impact in an elite sport team setting. Implications for theory, measurement, coaches, and sport psychology are discussed. Future recommendations for researchers, sport psychologists, and coaches are also discussed.