Research has shown that watching and watching sports has significant emotional and mental benefits. … [+]
As of 2023, approximately 70% of Americans will watch live sports, and approximately 57% will watch weekly. Ball sports, track and field, martial arts, esports, each format has its own fan base. While each fan is equally dedicated and loyal, research shows that sports fans may tune in for different reasons.
A 2022 study found that the three overarching motivations of sports fans are a desire for a sense of community, entertainment, and national or regional patriotism.
But psychological research suggests there may be much deeper motivations for watching sports than just a sense of community and entertainment. Psychologists Edward Hart and Joshua Clarkson, who are prolific researchers in the psychology of motivation and consumerism, have conducted research outlining other important motivations for sports fandom and fanship. . Here we will introduce some of them.
1. Aesthetic appreciation
Some believe that the beauty of sports lies in the artistry of the athletes. They appreciate the grace, precision, and physicality involved in sports such as figure skating, diving, and even soccer. Hart and Clarkson outline that the aesthetics of the sport itself can be a compelling reason for interest.
Think of a perfectly executed gymnastics routine, a clinically beautiful cross between players at a soccer game, or Michael Jordan's incredible dunk from the free throw line. Moments like this in sports amaze us with the sheer skill, grace, and athleticism displayed by players and teams.
Just like listening to a classical symphony, looking at a Renaissance oil painting or watching a ballet is inherently artistic. Some people experience the same sense of wonder when watching sports as they do when listening to music or strolling through a museum.
2. Escapism
Sports offer an escape from reality, but for some it goes deeper than that. Researchers explain that by watching or participating in sports, people can temporarily forget their worries, reduce anxiety, and feel a sense of relief.
In our stressful daily lives, many people turn to media content as a way to distract themselves from their worries. Some people choose books, movies, or podcasts, but for many people, a sports game can provide similar catharsis.
While watching their favorite NFL or Premier League teams play, fans can temporarily lose themselves in the playing field and find relief from the gray and monotonous feelings of their daily lives.
They can have a cathartic moment while rooting for their team and heckling their opponents. It's not just about being loyal to your team. It is also a moment of relief, a release from pent-up frustrations and a break from daily worries.
3. Self-esteem
For some people, sports serve as a means to increase self-esteem and confidence. Hart and Clarkson said watching and participating in sports allows people to see the accomplishments of athletes. Success in sports, even as a knowledgeable and avid fan, can increase a person's self-esteem.
Researchers explain that an individual's need for self-esteem can be met either directly or indirectly: through one's own accomplishments or the accomplishments of others. The latter is called BIRGing her. Bask in the reflected glory. This is what sports fanship makes possible.
When a fan's favorite sports team succeeds, the fan feels the same level of accomplishment. This is why we wear team merchandise the day after a win, or why we use personal pronouns when discussing our team. It's definitely not “They beat the Raiders 26-14.” everytime “we They defeated the Raiders 26-14. ”
Attachment to a winning team makes fans feel more confident and positive about themselves, ultimately leading to increased self-esteem. A team's accomplishments are intertwined with the fans' own identity, reinforcing the idea that if the team wins, the fans win too.
For fans, sports are about more than kicking a ball and scoring goals. To them, sports are epic examples of storytelling: compelling narratives, dramatic comebacks, underdog stories, and rivalries. These artistic stories lead sports fans to experience deep emotional and spiritual benefits that allow them to escape reality and rediscover their own worth. For those who have yet to step into the world of sport, we extend an invitation to join you on a fascinating journey of human achievement and resilience. It's an opportunity to experience the thrill of shared victory and the solace of community across borders.
Does your continued interest in professional sports come from a fear of missing out? Take it FOMO scale You can learn more.
