The team identification–social psychological health model: Sport fans gaining connections to others via sport team identification.

Abstract

Previous work has consistently found positive relationships between levels of sport team identification and social psychological well-being. According to the Team Identification-Social Psychological Health Model, these effects result from the increased social connections fans generate through their interest in the team. The current pair of investigations was designed to test the hypotheses that (1) team identification is positively related to social well-being and (2) team identification is positively related to social connections. In addition, the interrelationships among the variables were investigated (i.e., tests for mediation and moderation). In Study 1, a sample of 161 college students completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, identification with a local team, connections gained by following the team, and social well-being. Results indicated that, as expected, team identification was positively related to both well-being and social connections. Subsequent analyses failed to find evidence that social connections mediated or moderated the relationship between team identification and social psychological health. Study 2 (N ϭ 199 students from the same university as Study 1) replicated the results of the initial study using a more general measure of social connections (i.e., the Campus Connectedness Scale). Discussion includes the implications for the Team Identification-Social Psychological Health Model and the directionality between identification and social connections.

Motivation and Emotions among Top Players in the Western Balkan Basketball Teams

“…Accordingly, here we found out that importance of basketball in lives of top-class basketball players had a key role in their readiness and determination to establish relationships with teammates and other people. This finding is in accord with research which confirmed that team identification is positively related to social affiliation and the feeling of well-being [33].…”

The Multiple In-group Identity Framework

“…Research on social-psychological health demonstrates that team identification correlates with the number of temporary and enduring social connections a person shares with other consumers (Wann et al, 2011). However, this involves the formation of embedded relational groups within the superordinate identification.…”

“…Figure 1, relational groups depicted in B and C form through consumers sharing a common subgroup or superordinate identity, respectively. Sharing team identification fosters an increased number of temporary and enduring social connections with other team supporters (de Groot & Robinson, 2008;Wann, 2006;Wann et al, 2011). In a biographical study of one Australian Rules Football supporter, de Groot and Robinson (2008) noted that the study participant developed relationships with a larger network of Collingwood supporters on reaching the attachment stage of the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM) (Funk & James, 2001).…”

“…Evidence for the positive impact of superordinate identification on social and psychological health provides strong support for the benefits of consuming team sport (Branscombe & Wann, 1991;Inoue, Funk, Wann, Yoshida, & Nakazawa, 2015;Wann, 2006;Wann & Polk, 2007;Wann et al, 2011). The MIIF provides an avenue to advance the team identification-social psychological health model (TISPH).…”

Becoming Sport Fans: Relative Deprivation and Social Identity

“…In this line of inquiry, team identification is a common construct in understanding sport fan behavior (Funk & James, 2001;Heere & James, 2007;Kwon, Trail, & Anderson, 2006;Matsuoka, Chelladurai, & Harada, 2003;Wann & Branscombe, 1993;Wann, Waddill, & Polk, 2011).…”