Groupness: Providing a Roadmap for an Emerging Construct in Physical Activity Settings

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Alyson J. Crozier
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Luc J. Martin
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Kevin S. Spink
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2019-0031
Keywords:
entitativity; exercise; group dynamics; sport
First Published Online:
30 Apr 2020
In Print:
Volume 9: Issue 2
Page Range:
138–146
Restricted access

The extent to which humans consider themselves part of a group versus a collection of individuals is termed groupness. Despite a rich history in other domains, research examining the construct in physical activity settings is only beginning to emerge. Indeed, seminal research from other domains and recent efforts in physical activity highlight the importance of groupness perceptions for a range of outcomes. This paper provides an overview of the current groupness conceptualization in physical activity, presents research conducted in exercise and sport contexts, and, most important, provides a roadmap highlighting future research avenues. Proposed lines of enquiry relevant to physical activity include the development of a context-specific conceptualization, advances in methodologies to facilitate measurement and analysis, and the importance of contextualizing groupness research within physical activity settings.

Crozier is with the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, SA, Australia. Martin is with the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada. Spink is with the College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

Crozier (alyson.crozier@unisa.edu.au) is corresponding author.
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