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

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.