Beyond the huddle: a comparative analysis of sense of belonging, group cohesion and interpersonal closeness in rugby, soccer, and basketball

This study investigates the psychosocial dynamics of team sports by compar- ing levels of sense of belonging, group cohesion, and perceived interpersonal closeness among athletes playing rugby, soccer, and basketball. Guided by Social Identity Theory, the research explored how the structural characteristics of each sport influence group bonds and individual feelings of inclusion. We hypothesized that the highly interdependent nature of rugby would lead to stronger group- level and individual-level connections than those found in soccer and basket- ball. Additionally, we posited that both cohesion and closeness would serve as significant predictors of an athlete’s sense of belonging, regardless of their sport. The sample included 169 adult athletes. The findings confirmed our hypotheses, revealing that rugby players reported the highest scores across all three mea- sures. They showed a significantly higher sense of belonging, group cohesion and perceived interpersonal closeness than their soccer and basketball counter- parts. The ANCOVA results further demonstrated that both group cohesion and perceived interpersonal closeness are strong positive predictors of an individual’s sense of belonging across all disciplines. This research highlights the profound impact a sport’s environment has on shaping the psychosocial experiences of its athletes. It confirms that while group cohesion and perceived interpersonal closeness are crucial for fostering a sense of belonging, the effectiveness of these bonds is amplified in sports that demand a high degree of physical and social interdependence. These insights offer valuable guidance for coaches and prac- titioners, suggesting that sport-specific strategies are necessary to enhance team functioning and athlete well-being.