In my master’s thesis I present a quasi-natural experiment with which I was strengthening social cohesion and social acceptance in a rhythmic gymnastics competitive group. In the theoretical introduction I define the impact of social environment on a child’s behavior development. Then, I define characteristics of small groups, where I focus on peer groups of children and adolescents who represent the population of my research. Further on I explain important intra-group process, that is social acceptance, which I present in relation to the social position of the group’s members. However, since social acceptance alone is not enough for a stable membership, I also define what social identity is. At the end I round up all the listed chapters in a topic of group cohesion and connect it with achieving success.
In the empirical part I present the qualitative research, that I conducted according to a quasi-natural experimental plan with two groups of rhythmic gymnasts (about 10 years old), an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG). In my research, I tried to find out how can I affect the acceptance and cohesion of the group, with an experimental program, to make the group more successful. I applied a sociometric test in EG and CG and evaluated their performance, before and after the experimental program, which contained workshops, education and targeted trainings. During the targeted trainings, I performed participatory observation. One month after the experimental program, I did a group reflection of the program with the EG. The results showed that, after the program, the excluded member in the EG was better accepted as well as more socially skilled. Within the group, members had positive interactions more often and were more encouraging compared to before the experiment. Moreover they quickly resolved the conflicts and maintained a positive social climate. Their motivation increased during the experiment as they became more committed to the group success. This led to their progress as a group. Changes in the cohesion and performance of the EG were greater than in the CG, who received the ordinary trainings. With my research I proved that the experimental program led to a better cohesion within the group, which also increased the group’s success.
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