Flow in a Team Sport: Does Cohesion Matter?

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cohesion and flow state in competitive Division I College rowers. Overall, both social and task cohesion were significantly and positively associated with flow state, and that task cohesion produced significantly stronger positive relationships. Rowers were, in effect, more likely to achieve a flow state through positive task cohesion than by having positive social characteristics. Further analysis examined the influence of performance outcome and competition level on these relationships. Winning crews possessed more and stronger relationships between flow and cohesion than losing crews. In fact, losing crews appeared to fail to achieve a flow state. The results were supported by interview data that corroborated crew members familiarity with a collective team flow experience. This led to the discussion of a proposed model of team harmony bridging existing models of flow state and cohesion. There is a great deal that is not fully understood about the concept of flow in groups, but suggestions are made for further research into this fascinating phenomenon.