An Exploratory Examination of the Factors Influencing the Origination, Continuation, and Cessation of Identification with Sports Teams

Abstract

Surn7nary.-While previous work had focused on the manner in which identification wich a sports team influences the reactions of spectators, research had yet to identdy those factors with the greatest amount of influence on identification. This article reports on an exploratory study designed to fill this void by idendying the factors involved in the origination, continuation, and cessarion of sports-team identification. Responses indicated that a wide variety of factors were perceived by fans to be important in their identificarion. Specifically, the success of the team, geographical reasons, the playen, and aHiiative reasons were all quite important in the fans' identification.Although researchers have examined the effects of identification on spectators' behaviors (have neglected to examine the factors that influence identification. While research had documented that factors such as a preference for active pastimes, tendencies to be involved with sport as an athlete as well as a spectator, and higher socioeconomic status are related to sports viewing or attendance (Crossman, 1986;Gantz, 1981;Prisuta, 1979; Schurr, Wittig, Ruble, & Ellen, 1988), work had yet to specify variables playing the greatest roles in identification with a particular team. The current study was designed to fill this void. Given the exploratory nature of this research, no formal hypotheses were generated. Rather, the current work set out to examine the research question of what factors are involved in the identification of a specific sports team. Three aspects of identification were examined, the continuation, origination, and cessation of spectators' identification. METHODUndergraduate psychology student volunteers (44 men, 47 women) participated for extra course credt. The subjects' mean age was 24.3 yr.After reading, signing, and returning an informed consent statement, subjects (tested in groups of 10 to 25) were asked to complete a five-page questionnaire packet. The first page asked students to list their currently fa-'This work was partially sup orted by a Murray State University Co~nmittee on Institutional

The Multiple In-group Identity Framework

“…Figure 1, the circle labelled A depicts the role of interpersonal attachments (e.g., friendship, family, or other relational groups) that socialise new consumers into the superordinate identity, subgroup identity, or both simultaneously. Previous research illustrates the crucial role that family and friendship groups play in the formation of attachment and identification (James, 2001;Spaaij & Anderson, 2010;Wann et al, 1996). Wann et al (1996) found that social factors were important in the origination of team identification.…”

“…Previous research illustrates the crucial role that family and friendship groups play in the formation of attachment and identification (James, 2001;Spaaij & Anderson, 2010;Wann et al, 1996). Wann et al (1996) found that social factors were important in the origination of team identification. James (2001) found that parents -particularly fathers -played a crucial role in the development of their children's attitudes toward sport teams.…”

“…We use the term superordinate identification to describe those aspects of the team, organisation and brand that consumers assimilate into an overall image of a sport organisation. Much research on superordinate identification investigates the causes (Fink, Trail, & Anderson, 2002;Wann, Tucker, & Schrader, 1996) or consequences of identification (Boyle & Magnusson, 2007;Wann & Branscombe, 1993). From this body of knowledge, three main self-concept benefits emerge in relation to the superordinate identity: self-esteem enhancement, a search for coherence, and subjective uncertainty reduction.…”

Brand Identification Model of Sport Industry (Case Study: Iranian Soccer Pro League)

“…Authors suggest different team-related factors as constituents of team-fan identification, including previous successes, star players, geographical reasons, friends and peers become a fan, parents and family become a fan, logo, stadium and fame [34] successful season, managerial decisions, fame and tradition [24] success, style, color and players [35] symbolic relations (with players, color, logo or name of the team), socio-cultural relations, team victories, star players, sociological factors including social underdogs [36] Vicarious Achievement through relationships with team, players or coaches [37] successes, performance, tradition and stadium [6] identity attractiveness [10,30,38] self-definitional needs [10,17,18,30].…”

The role of acculturation and ethnic identity in understanding Asians' sport consumption behavior in the United States.

“…In addition, Wann, Tucker, and Schrader (1996) found there are some factors affecting the inauguration, maintenance, and termination of identification with sport teams. Of these factors, attachments to the players and the geographical reason (attachment to the community) are two of the most important factors for the continuation of identification with sport teams.…”