Components of Group Cohesion

Abstract

This article explores the nature of cohesion in groups people join in order to affect. personal change. The nature of cohesion is explored by examining three constructs thought to be related to cohesion: (1) attraction to individual members of a group, (2) the instrumental value of the group, and (3) risk-taking behaviors that occur in the group. The multiple correlation of measures of these three constructs and a widely used measure of cohesion in a variety ofgroups is. 751. Possible advantages of conceiving of cohesion in terms of these three constructs is discussed.