A psychologist gives 6 pieces of advice to people who are so passionate about supporting a sports team that their emotions are affected by the outcome
Cheering for your favorite team in sports is fun, but sometimes losing a game can be a shock, disappointment, or upset. Clinical psychologist and associate professor at Holy Family University in the United States,
The Psychology of Sports Fandom: Balancing Wins and Losses | Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/stigma-addiction-and-mental-health/202502/the-psychology-of-sports-fandom-balancing-wins-and
McElwain has been a lifelong supporter of the NFL team Philadelphia Eagles , and says, 'I can say with confidence that my mental health is deeply intertwined with the state of the Eagles.' In fact, when the Eagles won the 52nd Super Bowl in 2018 and were crowned NFL champions, he felt a surreal euphoria for several weeks. On the other hand, when the Eagles lost in a difficult situation, he suffered as if he had been damaged himself.
Most sports fans have experienced this before. Fans of sports teams have an emotional connection to their teams, feeling happy when they win and hurting when they fail. A 1993 study showed that the sense of belonging that comes with being a fan is psychologically powerful, fostering community, reducing loneliness, and even boosting self-esteem.
It has also been shown that when the team you support wins, the neurotransmitter dopamine , which gives you a sense of pleasure and euphoria, is released, but it has also been reported that when the team you support loses, your happiness levels decrease.
For passionate fans, watching sports is not just entertainment, it is an object of their passion and sometimes even a part of their identity. The phenomenon of feeling like they have won when their favorite team wins is called ' basking in reflected glory, ' and the phenomenon of some fans abandoning their favorite team after a tough loss is called 'cutting off reflected failure.'
Although it's nice when your favorite team wins, McElwain argues that your mental health shouldn't be affected by the outcome of your favorite team, which you can't control. So McElwain introduces six strategies to keep your mental health in balance when your favorite sports team is losing.
◆1: Don't lose sight of the fact that it's a sporting event.
There's nothing wrong with being passionate about your sports team, but you should remember that the outcome of the game is just a game. Understanding the bigger picture of the sport and reality can help you avoid taking losses too seriously.
◆2: Connect with fellow fans
Whether it's sharing the joy of a win or consoling each other after a tough loss, talking to other fans helps you regulate your emotions. A sense of community with other fans is a benefit of watching sports whether your team wins or loses.
3. Try other activities
Having hobbies outside of watching sports can help you avoid being overwhelmed by your favorite team's performance. Exercise, socializing, and other hobbies can help you balance your emotions, McElwain says.
◆4: Don't look at social media too much
After your favorite team loses, seeing comments from people who were just as shocked as you can make your negative emotions worse. Taking a break from heated discussions on social media is important for your mental health.
◆5: Practice mindfulness and acceptance
6. Focus on the small joys
Even if your team loses, McElwain recommended finding something positive to be happy about, such as a rookie doing a good job, a dramatic score, or a great celebration during the game.
'Being an avid sports fan is an emotional investment, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of your mental health. Winning brings jubilation, but losing doesn't have to be devastating if you manage your emotions effectively,' McElwain said.
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