CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Completed Projects
An Analysis of the Sport Spectator You Don't Want to Encounter: Willpower and Fan Dysfunction
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Cognitive Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Dan Wann
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Dysfunctional sport fans are classified as those who have impaired function as it relates to socialization and social groups in the sports context, leading them to be highly confrontational and frequently complain (Wakefield & Wann, 2006). These fans are frequently loud, obsessive and even violent (Wann & James, 2019). Current research attempts to provide insight into this degree of excessive fandom behavior. Specifically, although previous work has examined demographics, alcohol, media consumption, and game attendance among dysfunctional fans, research has yet to examine the level of willpower, or self-control among these types of fans (Wakefield & Wann, 2006). With consideration that dysfunctional sport fans are expressive and aggressive with their opinions and of their team’s performance, this study sought to investigate the relationship between dysfunctional sports fans and willpower. We expected dysfunctional sports to have weaker willpower than non-dysfunctional sport fans. This was examined through student participation in a questionnaire assessing the level of self-control, sport fandom, team identification, and dysfunctional fandom maintained within the individual. Results indicated that there was not a significant relationship between fan dysfunction and willpower. However, results did indicate a significant relationship between sport fandom and willpower, which could provide insight into the capacity that sport fandom has for maintaining and predicting individual self-control.
Keywords: fan dysfunction, willpower, sport fandom, team identification
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Psychology: Completed Projects
An Analysis of the Sport Spectator You Don't Want to Encounter: Willpower and Fan Dysfunction
Dysfunctional sport fans are classified as those who have impaired function as it relates to socialization and social groups in the sports context, leading them to be highly confrontational and frequently complain (Wakefield & Wann, 2006). These fans are frequently loud, obsessive and even violent (Wann & James, 2019). Current research attempts to provide insight into this degree of excessive fandom behavior. Specifically, although previous work has examined demographics, alcohol, media consumption, and game attendance among dysfunctional fans, research has yet to examine the level of willpower, or self-control among these types of fans (Wakefield & Wann, 2006). With consideration that dysfunctional sport fans are expressive and aggressive with their opinions and of their team’s performance, this study sought to investigate the relationship between dysfunctional sports fans and willpower. We expected dysfunctional sports to have weaker willpower than non-dysfunctional sport fans. This was examined through student participation in a questionnaire assessing the level of self-control, sport fandom, team identification, and dysfunctional fandom maintained within the individual. Results indicated that there was not a significant relationship between fan dysfunction and willpower. However, results did indicate a significant relationship between sport fandom and willpower, which could provide insight into the capacity that sport fandom has for maintaining and predicting individual self-control.
Keywords: fan dysfunction, willpower, sport fandom, team identification