Why does football bring people feelings of happiness?
Football helps people overcome feelings of loneliness, boost self-confidence, and increase feel-good hormones.
Sports in general, and football in particular, are not just about winning and losing. (Sharing with...)Health LineAccording to Dr. Alan Pringle, a mental health expert from the University of Nottingham (UK), people are willing to endure rain, cold, and a host of other discomforts to cheer on their favorite team because it brings them happiness. Below are the reasons explaining this phenomenon.
Boost self-confidence
Sometimes, we are happy not only for our own success but also for the success of others.
"The best example is when parents talk about their children's achievements," says Dr. Edward R. Hirt from the Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences at Indiana University. "We also tend to do the same with complete strangers, such as politicians, actors, and athletes from our hometown. This connection helps us become better people."
In football and sports, fans also associate themselves with their favorite team. The team's victory is like a victory for the fans themselves.
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Fans celebrate the Vietnamese national team's victory on Dong Khoi Street (Ho Chi Minh City). Photo:Huu Khoa. |
Common language
The world may change, but the essence of the sport remains consistent. "Many people tell me that their grandfather and father watched soccer, so they watch it too," Dr. Pringle said. Soccer allows generations to share together.
Furthermore, a love of sports connects people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. "A lawyer, a janitor, and a homeless person can sit down together to enjoy football without caring about how much money they have or where they live," Dr. Pringle continued.
"Sport is an important part of so many people's lives," Dr. Hirt added. "We feel a sense of similarity, closeness, and connection with fans and teams, much like people of the same religion."
Emotional transcendence
Sports are a place where people can freely express their emotions. For example, in a stadium, men can hug each other, cry, or shout to release pent-up frustration. In most other circumstances, these actions would be considered inappropriate.
Physical changes
In addition to its psychological impact, sports also affect a person's physical health.
Specifically, a 1998 study showed that testosterone levels increased in fans of the winning team while decreased in fans of the losing team. Testosterone is not only related to sexual desire, but also maintains arousal and increases satisfaction.
