Footy Finals - the psychological benefits of following a team

It's the week of the Grand Final in both footy codes - AFL & NRL. We all know the physical and psychological benefits of playing sport and in particular a team sport but what about the benefits of following a team?

Steven John (www.goalcast.com) outlines the following benefits of team sport -

• improves mental health

• lower instance of depression and anxiety

• fewer instances of anorexia

• lower rates of suicideal ideation than peers who did not participate in team sporting activities

• motivates you to get fit

• good for individual fitness

But what about if you are an armchair sports person? What are the benefits of following a team. Cyrus Wahome (webmd.com) talks about the medical review of Melinda Ratini MS DO in his article Is Being a Diehard Sports Fan Good for Your Mental Health?

Wahome outright suggests that yes, people who are sports fans have higher self-esteem compared to individuals with no interest in sports. He describes a fan as someone with an emotional connection to a sports club team, or group. A sports fan is someone who talks and thinks about a particular sport.

He says that, commitment to your team and sport happens in three ways

• cognitive - when you find out more about the sport and the team

• behaviour - when you show support to your team regardless of their wins or losses. You buy tickets and merchandise to show your loyalty

• attitude - your firm belief in the team or club

He then goes on to outline the benefits of being a sports fan

• Self-esteem - fans identify with their high-performing team and consider the team as an extension of themselves

• Pleasure and Anxiety which create adrenaline and dopamine that make you feel positive stress

• Escapism - it may provide a way to escape from the daily stresses

• Strengthen family relationships - supporting the same team can bring a family together, giving them time to spend togehter and strengthen famlily bonds

• Entertainment - as well as the entertainment of watching the game, people can also be entertained by the colours and sounds during the event

• Group affiliation - supporting a team can make you feel a cultural connection and a sense of belonging.

So when you are baracking for your AFL or NRL team this weekend, enjoy the mental health benefits of doing so !!!