Home⇛International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research and Innovation⇛vol. 3 no. 3 (2025)

Beyond The Game: Exploring Team Cohesion and Mental Health in Student Table Tennis Player

Sishir Sarkar Jr | Pulen Das

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to examine the relationship between team cohesion and mental health outcomes specifically stress, anxiety, and depression among inter-university table tennis players, and to explore gender-specific patterns within these associations. A total of 65 inter-university table tennis players (male and female) participated in the study. Team cohesion was measured using the “Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ)”, which evaluates four dimensions: “Individual Attraction to the Group – Task” (AT-G), “Individual Attraction to the Group – Social” (AT-S), “Group Integration – Task” (GI-T), and “Group Integration – Social” (GI-S). Mental health variables- depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the “Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)”. Correlation analyses were conducted to determine the associations between team cohesion factors and mental health outcomes. A significant negative correlation was found between team cohesion and depression in both male and female athletes. In male players, all four dimensions of team cohesion (AT-G, AT-S, GI-T, and GI-S) were significantly and negatively associated with depression. In female athletes, three dimensions i.e. AT-G, AT-S, and GI-T showed significant negative correlations with depression, while GI-S was also negatively correlated but not significant. Task cohesion (particularly GI-T) was more strongly emphasized by athletes than social cohesion (GI-S), indicating a performance-oriented team focus. There were no significant relationships found between team cohesion and stress or anxiety for either gender. The findings underscore the protective role of team cohesion especially task-focused cohesion-against depression in student-athletes. Enhancing team climate through structured, task-oriented team-building activities may not only improve athletic performance but also support the mental well-being of inter-university table tennis players. Coaches and sports psychologists are encouraged to integrate strategies that foster both team cohesion and psychological resilience in their training environments.



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