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Why football is good for your state of mind
Attending live football matches can play an important role in developing good mental health, says a new report published in JRSH. The study, conducted by Mr Alan Pringle, Lecturer in Mental Health at the University of Nottingham, explored the perceived mental health gains for football fans in areas of stress release and catharsis. Fans of Mansfield Town FC (a team in the third division of the English Football League) were asked to record their experiences, behaviours and emotions before, during and after matches in diaries. Fans were then interviewed to further develop the emerging themes from diary entries. The findings revealed that belonging to a club was considered to be important for one's own mental health as it offers a sense of identity, belonging, security and warmth. The results also show that fans consider stadium terraces to be an environment where a cathartic release of tension is socially acceptable. Fans commented that shouting and dramatic hand and body gestures facilitated the release of emotion and pent-up aggression. Mr Pringle says "the key feature in health promotional terms is the overwhelming view of fans that the 'carnivalesque' behaviours stay in the football ground where such behaviours are viewed as acceptable and socially sanctioned." Some of the behaviours described by supporters as beneficial and done in the 'spirit of carnival' may challenge liberal beliefs and be viewed as antisocial and offensive. Mr Pringle points out that this type of behaviour may in fact be the successful vehicle by which some men translate their frustration and stress. Mr Pringle concludes by saying "if we accept that for people in general, and in particular young men, the opportunity to externalise tension and discharge emotion is an important component in maintaining health, then it may well be that attending live events such as football matches offers a socially safe environment in which this can happen." Contacts Alan Pringle, Mental Health Lecturer, University of Nottingham, School of Nursing, Dukeries Centre, Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 4JL Tel: +44 (0)1623 465 600 Melanie Vincent, Managing Editor, The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health on +44 (0)20 7630 0121 ext 215 Notes for Editors: The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health is UK's largest and
longest-established public health organisation. We are completely independent
of government and of any special interest. Our Members are academics,
health professionals and practitioners who share an interest in promoting
health through their daily work, and come together through Society membership
to provide cross-cutting and multidisciplinary perspectives on current
health questions |