Guarne

Researchers are investigating whether a brief, structured team reflection program included in regular elite underwater rugby training can lead to changes in important psychosocial team aspects over six weeks. This study focuses on team cohesion, psychological safety, peer trust, and team identification. These factors are measured with validated questionnaires at three points: before the intervention, at week 3, and after the 6-week program. The intervention involves embedding a standardized set of short reflection sessions twice weekly immediately after training, each lasting about 15 minutes. The program includes 16 sessions covering five components such as internal-state check-ins, specific recognition, structured reflections on team functioning, collective identity reinforcement, and a controlled vulnerability session. Sessions follow a strict "share-only" rule to maintain psychological safety and are led by staff and rotating athlete leaders. Routine elite underwater rugby training continues unchanged alongside this program. Participants complete assessments at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention, which include questionnaires measuring team cohesion and other psychosocial outcomes. Researchers monitor session delivery, attendance, adherence to rules, and training availability along with injury or illness status to understand exposure. Objective sports performance data are not collected. Total participation spans the 6-week intervention period with three assessment points.