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Sport team identification and social fear
David M Normansell1, Daniel L Wann
1Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, USA.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|May 27, 2010
Summary
This study found no significant link between identifying with a sports team and social fear in college students. Further research is needed to understand this relationship in psychological health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Sports Psychology
Background:
- Previous research indicates a connection between sport team identification and psychological well-being.
- The specific relationship between team identification and social fear remains less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between sport team identification and social fear.
- To examine the psychological implications of belonging to a sports team.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 75 undergraduate college students.
- Measurement of team identification levels.
- Assessment of social fear symptomatology.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant correlation was found between team identification and social fear.
- The findings suggest that identifying with a sports team does not directly predict levels of social fear in this sample.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis that greater team identification would correlate with lower social fear was not supported.
- Future research should explore other psychological variables or different populations to clarify the relationship between sport team dynamics and social anxiety.
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