Mis juhtub jalgpallifännide ajudega mängu vaatamise ajal? Vastab neuroteadlane

When we watch a soccer game, our brains behave in a very active way. A recent study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference showed that fans have different emotions and reactions depending on whether their team is winning or losing.

These findings could have implications not only for sports, but also for other fields such as politics, sociology, religion, and simply family relationships

What happens to the brains of soccer fans while watching a match

“While watching soccer matches, areas of the brain responsible for emotions, social interactions and decision-making are activated. For example, the joy of a victory by your favorite team causes activation of areas responsible for satisfaction and reward, while a defeat can activate areas associated with frustration and stress.”

To further understand how soccer matches affect fans’ brains, the researchers recruited 43 mentally healthy male volunteers supporting Chilean soccer teams. While the participants watched a selection of matches, their brain activity was measured using fMRI, a non-invasive imaging technique that detects changes in cerebral blood flow. The results showed that the brain reacts dynamically depending on the successes or failures of the fan’s team.

The study aimed to discover a pattern between behaviors and dynamics related to rivalry, aggression and social affiliation within and between fan groups.

The project was led by Francisco Zamorano Mendieta, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the imaging department at the Clínica Alemán de Santiago and assistant professor in the Faculty of Sciences for the Universidad de San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.

“When a team wins, a reward system is activated in the brain. When it loses, the fan can go into an introspective state. This helps soothe the pain of the loss. We also observed inhibition of the spinal node, which connects the limbic system to the frontal cortex, interfering with the regulatory mechanism of cognitive control and increasing the likelihood of disruptive or aggressive behavior,” comments Dr. Zamorano.

The role of bigotry

Rivalry goes deep into the history of sports, and fans can be very attentive to their “home” team and favorite players. Fans experience the full range of emotions when watching their team succeed or fail during a game or match: rejoicing when they score or getting angry over a bad decision. Soccer fans are known for their loyalty and enthusiasm for their team, especially in Europe and South America.

Humans by nature are social creatures. As such, they crave social connections, whether it’s membership in a running club, participation in a book discussion group or virtual forums. “While social bonds are often formed around shared beliefs, values and interests, there can also be an element of ‘groupthink’ that can lead to unreasonable beliefs and social disagreements,” Dr. Zamorano noted.

The zeal and fanaticism observed among some sports fans can provide a compelling example of strong emotional outbursts, occasional aggressive behavior, and impaired rationality.

“Understanding the psychology of group identification and competition among soccer fans may shed light on decision-making processes and social dynamics, leading to a more complete understanding of how society operates,” Dr. Zamorano concluded.

This study reveals the emotional aspects of sport and shows that scientific findings are important for society as a whole. Tracking how group identification affects neurological activity helps us better understand behavioral aspects not only in sports, but also in everyday life. This motivates us to be conscious of emotions and develop strategies for emotional resilience in different situations.

The scientific findings can be used to create a supportive environment, especially in competitive, defeat situations.

Creating Psychological Support for Fans

Organizers of sporting events can implement psychological support programs to manage fans’ emotions in different scenarios. For example, consulting with psychologists, conducting emotional resilience training sessions, and creating a positive environment at stadiums.

Adapting fan engagement after a defeat

If clubs develop strategies to engage with fans in the event of defeat, they will develop a sense of community even after setbacks. This may include organizing activities to maintain a positive mood.

Application of positive psychology in sports

Encouraging positive emotions, developing team confidence, and creating a winning atmosphere even in the face of failure are good ones for implementing positive psychology principles into clubs to train athletes and interact with fans.

Communication with fan groups

It will also be beneficial for event organizers to actively interact with fan groups to better understand their expectations and emotional needs. As well as creating a more harmonious relationship between clubs and fans.

Adoption of technology for emotional engagement

The use of technology, such as virtual reality or mobile apps, can provide fans with new opportunities for emotional interaction with the team. These include: virtual meetings with players, interactive chats and other means to strengthen the bond.

Introducing the “fan day” concept

Organizing special events dedicated to fans is an additional opportunity for interaction and positive impact on the emotional state of fans.