Boos, M., Franiel, X., & Belz, M. (2015). Competition in human groups—Impact on group cohesion, perceived stress and outcome satisfaction. Behavioural Processes, 120, 64-68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2015.07.011

When investigating my topic of competition, it is vital to take a look at the counter arguments to my position. Competition is, and rightfully so, am extremely controversial concept. This article discusses how competition influences groups of humans, both in their cohesion and individual mindsets. In research of a group’s personal outcome satisfaction, stress, calmness, and interdependence, and their ability to “flock together”, the study concluded that while competition provides some short terms gains in areas like time necessary to complete a task or motivation, it can have severe long term effects on a broad range of issues. First, in competitive environments, group cohesion decreases as people work more towards self benefit or individual reward situations. Additionally, and probably most striking, is the role competition plays in increased stress in the short terms and even the development of depression in the long term. The very thing that competition strives to do, increase motivation, in fact reduces the participants willingness to participate.

This is often referred to when discussing the downsides of competitiveness and they are not wrong. Competition can, and I will repeat that, can have negative effects on those involved. However, are these possible negative emotions a certainty? No. It is all about how, when, and with whom competition is implemented. So with this in mind, I will return to my original inquiry question: How can implement POSITIVE competition in our classrooms?