Healthy Fandom

Better Together: Social Connections Mediate the Relationship Between Fandom and Well-Being
JOURNAL OF HEALTH

Many Seattleites have a sticker on their car of the number 12. The idea is that there are 11 Seahawks players on the field and the “12th man” is the hysterical fan cheering them to victory. I’ve made fun of this since moving here because at first glance it seemed like the fantasy of someone who is too young to drive. I do, however, appreciate the excitement around Seattle teams. So much so, in fact, that I rooted against the Galaxy when I saw them play the Sounders just to be a part of the “Emerald city supporters.” Don’t tell Zlatan.

As I process Kobe’s death, I felt the need to grasp the underlying reason of why I’m such a diehard Lakers fan. Can this second degree joy be replicated? How does being a fan create well-being?

One assumption is that the motivation of fandom is to escape an unsuccessful life, or fulfill a non-existing life purpose. By attaching yourself to another person or team, you get the benefits of success without having to make a 3, or try to guard Lebron. You feel like a teammate from the couch, which is a sweet deal since it’s free. This research disagrees.

After conducting a survey of over 336 fans, researchers suggest that social connection is the main link between fandom and well-being. Your degree of ingroup identification is key, likely because it checks the critical human need of belonging. This impact occurs when you get involved, creating a community with equally passionate enthusiasts.

Takeaway: There are psychological benefits of being a fan, whether you support a team, a band, or an artist. Even anime was mentioned in this study. Well-being is associated with fans who identify and engage in a group’s community. Consider watching the next game with another fan and you too can relish in the joy of high-fiving an ecstatic stranger after Robert Horry drains a 3 for the win.

Go Lakers. Go Sounders.