Do football fans have better mental health?: what the science says

Football is perhaps the sport most popular in the world, which brings together thousands of fans all over the planet. The passion that comes from rooting for a team or for your country selection is almost unmatched. Therefore, a new study ensures that football fans have a better mental health of those who do not share this passion.

In the book “Fans Have More Friends” (Spanish for “Fans have more friends”), authors David Sikorjak and Ben Valenta analyzed the fan behavior of several sports, albeit with more emphasis on football. And they found a greater sense of belonging and other benefits that affect mental health.

Mental benefits of the soccer fan

In the studies carried out by the writer, one of the major findings is related to feelings of loneliness: 61% of the US population experiences feelings of isolation and loneliness, but the levels of those who support a football team are much lower.

The study concluded that football fans who are committed to a club are more outgoing and open-minded and even have more friends than fans who are less attached to a club or have no interest in football.

Greater belonging thanks to football

Another noteworthy detail of the study is the degree of membership of football fans. The more passionate the fan’s relationship with the sport, the more social activities they tend to have; therefore, that person’s level of belonging and mental well-being is higher than for non-football supporters.

On the other hand, other studies have found that the sensation generated by football is not only related to that sport, but can also be present in other activities, such as movies, cosplay or video games.

DePaul University professor of film studies, Paul Boothargues that being part of a group, no matter the topic, is more beneficial to mental health don’t be a part of anyone.