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Devoted fans release more cortisol when watching live soccer matches
Martha Newson1, Victor Shiramizu2, Michael Buhrmester1
1Centre for Anthropology and Mind, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Summary
Sports fans' intense emotions during live matches are linked to identity fusion, a deep sense of oneness with their team. This psychological state significantly elevates stress hormone (cortisol) levels, especially during losses.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Psychophysiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Intense emotional experiences are common among sports fans during live events.
- Identity fusion, a synergistic alignment of personal and group identities, creates a profound sense of 'oneness' with a team.
- Previous research indicates physiological fluctuations, such as salivary cortisol levels, correlate with live sports viewing and group affiliation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of identity fusion in modulating physiological responses, specifically salivary cortisol levels, during live football match viewing.
- To compare the influence of identity fusion versus identification on cortisol concentrations.
- To examine the interaction between match outcome and cortisol levels in relation to identity fusion.
Main Methods:
- Salivary cortisol levels were measured in 41 participants during live screenings of FIFA World Cup 2014 matches in Brazil.
- A validated three-item state measure assessed the degree of identity fusion with the football team.
- Data analysis explored relationships between identity fusion, identification, match outcome, and cortisol concentrations, including gender differences.
Main Results:
- Salivary cortisol concentrations fluctuated significantly during live football events, consistent with previous findings.
- Identity fusion demonstrated a stronger association with cortisol concentrations than mere identification with the team.
- A significant interaction revealed that watching a match loss (dysphoria) was linked to particularly elevated cortisol levels, moderated by identity fusion.
Conclusions:
- Identity fusion plays a crucial role in modulating physiological reactivity, such as cortisol release, during stressful group events like live sports viewing.
- The findings suggest that a strong sense of 'oneness' with a team can lead to heightened psycho-physiological responses, particularly during negative outcomes.
- While women exhibited higher team fusion than men, the core relationship between fusion and cortisol response was consistent across genders.
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