Football and Mental Well-being

Though not a keen follower of matters football, it was quite refreshing to see Danny Welbeck celebrating scoring for Arsenal against former club Manchester United when the two met in an epic showdown at the old trafford on Monday. The reactions from the fans after the 2nd goal were even wilder. You see, Arsenal has not defeated Man United in over 8 years. 

It is interesting to note the level of importance, priority and emphasis diehards have put on Football. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. All in all, the extent to which some will go in the name of the "beautiful game" is  reason to be concerned. Local arsenal fans have had the reputation for suicidal tendencies on losing to Man Utd spurring ridicule on social media. A win for the gunners meant there would be no victims that day - Not very far fetched if you ask me!  Football only has a positive effects when it is kept in perspective. An over-reliance on or obsession can limit the development of other interests and have a negative impact on relationships and may divert attention away from other family responsibilities.

Football might have an even more beneficial impact on mental health if more fans took to the field, as exercise is known to have a positive effect on our mental well-being. Football and indeed any obsessive sport can have a major impact on mental health. It is thought to affect emotions, relationships, identity and self-esteem. Studies show one in four fans consider football was one of the most important things in their lives. Here's why:

Escape

When time is at a premium for most people, leisure activity and entertainment fulfils the psychological need to escape from the stresses and strains of life and go into another world for a period of time. The time set aside for football is often sacrosanct and provides an opportunity to play.

Anticipation

It has been suggested that the attraction of sports events over other forms of entertainment is the combination of comfort in ritual with unpredictable outcome. People can look forward to the comfort of the familiar with the thrill of the unknown.

Basking in reflected glory

When your team does well, it prompts feelings of happiness, well-being and collective euphoria. Fans ‘bask in reflected glory’ (BIRG). It has been suggested that ‘BIRGing’ improves mood both in   individuals and in communities. If a team loses a match, however, it does not necessarily have a negative impact on mental health.

Catharsis

It is thought that watching football may be cathartic. It has been suggested that the atmosphere of a live football match is socially inclusive. Fans step into their team identity by wearing clothes and using language they would not usually use in their everyday lives. They can behave in ways that encourage ‘a cathartic release of tension’ through shouting, screaming, gesturing and chanting. Pent up internafeelings and intense emotion such as frustration annoyance or sadness can be vented in a socially acceptable way. Men can express and release internalised emotion that they don’t feel able express in other ways.

Young men

For young men in particular, the opportunity to externalise tension and emotion is important to maintaining health. Young men are at the highest risk of suicide – it is the most common cause of death for young men under the age of 35. This age group is one of the most dominant in football crowds across the country.

Cutting off reflected failure

Sometimes fans feel a sense of pessimism prior to a match. But this can also have a positive overall impact in that it can unite fans. A refusal to believe that things might go well is thought to protect against disappointment. This has been referred to as ‘CORF’ or cutting off reflected failure. Having a shared moan after a defeat is also another way of bonding.

World Cup

The World Cup in particular may have a positive effect on mental health. One study found there was a reduction in numbers of emergency psychiatric admissions during and after World Cup finals.

Identity

Watching and supporting football provides an opportunity for connection and belonging in an age where technology means there is less and less direct physical interaction.

According to ‘social identity theory’, fans separate groups and teams into social categories and identify with the group/team to which they see themselves belonging. Geography or family tradition usually informs which team someone supports.

Supporting a football club, watching a live game or gathering to watch a match on television are all ways of participating in group activity with people who share the same values and interests. This provides a sense of belonging, identification and inclusion within a larger group. It creates a tangible social identity. Identification with the players as people and the club also promote a sense of belonging.

Hormones

Watching sports such as football have an impact on testosterone levels. Studies have found that fans experience the same hormonal surges and physiological ebbs and flows during a game as they might if they were on the field.

Relationships

Having strong relationships is known to be a key factor in the maintenance of positive mental health. Football plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of social and familial relationships. Over 90% of people who attend matches go with friends, family or colleagues.

Football provides a platform to communicate with others, gossip (known to protect mental well-being), exchange views, and bond through celebration and commiseration. It also helps people maintain relationships by providing a reason to meet up regularly.