Are Sports Fans Happier? Summary

In the Sid Kirchheimer article “Are sports fans happier?” the author produces a valid argument as to whether or not being a sports fan is beneficial to one’s mental health and social life. In my opinion, I agree with the author’s stance that sports fans are genuinely happier versus an individual who is not a sports fan. In my opinion, being a sports fan gives a sense of belonging, and hopefulness. Following a sports team, or just watching a sport in general is depicted in the article as being good for a fan. Kirchheimer states, “Sports fandom is really a tribal thing…a phenomenon that ca help fulfill our psychological need to belong-providing similar benefits to the social support achieved through religious, professional, or other affiliations” (Kirchheimer 294). Sports are all about grouping; first by the type of sport (football, soccer, golf) and then it is broken down into specific teams, players, and colors. Being a fan of one sport, and then a fan of a specific team within that sport places one into a “clique” per say. This creates a sense of feeling like one is a part of something, in which we are said to need for our state of mind. A bond is formed amongst sports fans. Watching sports or rooting for a specific team can bring people together. The article
Likewise, if you are a fan, winning is just that much more exciting. “Are sports fans happier?” depicts this excitement as, “with the thrill of victory, many fans experience bona fide joy- complete with hormonal and other physiological changes such as increased pulse and feelings of elation” (Kirchheimer 295). As a football fan myself, there really is nothing like the joy you feel when your team wins. This ties everything together because that sense of belonging you feel as a sports fan creates this sensation that you helped your team win, and you get to rejoice with your fellow