Why does football bring people happiness?

Sports in general and football in particular are not just about winning and losing. Share withHealth LineDr. Alan Pringle, a mental health expert from the University of Nottingham (UK), said that people are willing to endure rain, cold and a series of other discomforts to cheer for their favorite team because it brings happiness. Below are the reasons explaining this phenomenon.

Promote self-confidence

Sometimes, we are not only happy for our own success but also happy for the success of others.

"The most obvious example is when parents talk about their children's achievements," said Dr. Edward R. Hirt, from the department of psychological and brain sciences at Indiana University (USA). "We also tend to do the same with people we don't know, such as politicians, actors, athletes from our hometown. This connection makes us better people."

In football and sports, fans also identify with their favorite team. The team's victory is like a victory for the fans themselves.

Common language

The world may change, but the essence of sport remains consistent. “Many people tell me that their grandfathers and fathers watched football, so they watch it,” says Dr Pringle. Football allows generations to share together.

In addition, the love of sport unites people from different socioeconomic backgrounds. "A lawyer, a sanitation worker and a homeless person can sit down next to each other to enjoy football regardless of how much money they have or where they live," Dr. Pringle continued.

“Sports are such an important part of so many people,” adds Dr Hirt. “We feel a sense of belonging, closeness and connection with our fans and teams, just like we do with our religious affiliation.”

Emotional sublimation

Sports are a place where people can freely express their emotions. For example, in a stadium, men may hug each other, cry, or scream to relieve stress. In most other situations, these actions would be considered inappropriate.

Physical changes

In addition to psychological effects, sports also affect human physical health.

Specifically, a 1998 study showed that testosterone levels in fans of winning teams increased while those of losing teams decreased. Not only related to sexual desire, testosterone also maintains excitement and increases satisfaction.