By: Malik Merritte, Graduate Professional Assistant, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, a graduate student in Mason’s Counseling program
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis
Human beings are inherently social creatures. Our physical and mental well-being is deeply rooted in our ability to maintain social connectivity. Biologically, we need face-to-face contact and close human connections to engage the biological systems that have evolved over millennia to preserve our health. One of the most profound ways this social connectivity manifests is through the shared experience of sports, which has captivated many people worldwide for generations. Here’s how sports can strengthen social well-being.
The Communal Experience of Sports
Sporting events provide a unique communal experience that taps into our need for social connection. When we strongly identify with our favorite teams, we often feel a greater sense of belonging, which boosts our excitement and emotional investment in games. This sense of belonging fosters emotional connections and psychological well-being. For instance, stadiums filled with fans singing in unison or cheering for their team create a palpable sense of unity. An example of this is the powerful tradition of college football, where traditions like Virginia Tech’s “Enter Sandman” entrance or the Iowa football wave to the children’s hospital creates a sense of togetherness and shared identity among fans.
Social Interaction and Shared Identity
Sports serve as a social catalyst, bringing us together in various settings such as stadiums, sports bars, or living rooms to share the experience of watching a game. In today’s digital age, social media platforms have amplified this connectivity, allowing fans to interact in real-time, discussing plays, celebrating victories, or commiserating over losses, research reveals. This sense of shared experience extends beyond the event itself, creating long-lasting social bonds and a sense of belonging.
The need to belong can be so strong that it affects our perceptions of our interactions with others, research shows. Identifying with a sports team also creates a shared social identity, fostering camaraderie among fans. This collective identity can be a powerful source of social connection and support. When we wear our team’s colors, chant the same slogans, or engage in traditions like singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at a Liverpool soccer match, we are expressing a collective identity that transcends individual differences.
Emotional Attachment, Social Support, and the Benefits of Fandom
Being part of a sports community allows us to celebrate victories or find solace in collective disappointment, reinforcing inclusion and mutual support, according to research. Beyond social connectivity, sports fandom offers psychological benefits. It can serve as a form of escapism, allowing us to temporarily disconnect from daily stressors and immerse ourselves in the excitement of the game. The shared experiences within the fan community promote positive mental health and well-being, research reveals. The emotional highs and lows of sports provide an outlet for expression and a way to process emotions collectively.
The Power of Social Identity and Belonging
Our need to belong and feel connected to something larger than ourselves is fundamental to human nature. Sports teams provide an avenue for satisfying this need, creating a sense of community and identity. For example, the chants of “U-S-A” that fill the air during the Olympics or the deep-rooted loyalties of local sports fans showcase how these connections can enhance self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Even seemingly arbitrary allegiances – such as supporting a local team because of where we were born or raised – can provide a strong sense of solidarity and community.
Conclusion
As social and psychological beings, our connections with others are essential for our well-being. Sporting events provide a unique opportunity to thrive socially and emotionally, offering a sense of community, shared identity, and emotional support. Whether through the joy of a collective victory or the solace of shared defeat, the social connections fostered by sports play a vital role in preserving our health, happiness, and sense of belonging.
Additional Resources
- Mason Athletics offers tickets to games featuring Mason’s official teams for basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more.
- Mason Recreation Club Sports and Mason Recreation Intramural Sports feature information about how to play or watch club or intramural games on campus.
- The Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk offers a fun opportunity to strengthen your well-being with friends.
- Mason360 informs Mason students of social gatherings on campus and provides ways to register for various campus events.
- This Psychology Today article describes how being a sports fan can benefit your health.
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