Sport Psychology Studies

Sport Psychology Studies

Modeling the Relationship between Leadership Styles and Team Performance among Student-Athletes: Examining the Mediating Role of Psychological Climate and Team Cohesion

Document Type : Original research

Authors
Abdollah Hemayattalab 1
Azam Heidarzadeh 2
Nahideh Pourjamal 3
Mahdi Heydari 4
1 Department of Physical Education, Mara. C., Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran.
2 Department of Physical Education, Mak. C., Islamic Azad University, Maku, Iran
3 M.A. in Corrective exercises, Ur. C., Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
4 Phd Student in Sport Management, Sport Science Faculty, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
10.22089/spsyj.2026.18831.2634
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of psychological climate and team cohesion in the relationship between leadership styles and team performance among student-athletes.
Methods: The present study employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The sample consisted of 300 athletes from various sports disciplines who were selected through convenience sampling and completed standard questionnaires to measure leadership styles, psychological climate, team cohesion, and team performance. The PROCESS macro version 4 was used for statistical analysis.
Findings: The results showed positive and significant relationships between leadership style and psychological climate (r = 0.46, P < 0.001), team cohesion (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and team performance (r = 0.34, P < 0.001). Additionally, psychological climate was positively and significantly related to team cohesion (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) and team performance (r = 0.41, P < 0.001). The mediation analysis results indicated that psychological climate and team cohesion fully mediated the relationship between leadership style and team performance, with a significant indirect effect of 0.26 (95% CI [0.18, 0.34]). When these mediators were included, the direct effect of leadership on performance was not significant (β = 0.08, p = 0.12).
Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of effective leadership in creating a positive psychological climate, which in turn enhances team cohesion and performance. The implications of these findings are significant for coaches, sports managers, and sports psychologists, indicating the need for strategies and interventions that promote supportive environments and cohesive team dynamics.
Keywords
Leadership Styles
Psychological Climate
Team Cohesion
Team Performance
Student-Athletes
Subjects
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Sport Psychology Studies
Volume 15, Issue 57
Summer 2026
Pages 176-183

  • Receive Date 17 December 2025
  • Revise Date 18 April 2026
  • Accept Date 21 April 2026