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Based on past research and theory, a Team Identification - Psychological Health Model is proposed. The following predictions were generated from this model: 1) high levels of identification with a local sport team will lead to positive psychological health, 2) high levels of identification with a distant sport team will not be related to psychological health, and 3) high levels of mere sport fandom will not be related to psychological health. Previous work had documented support for Predictions 2 and 3. With respect to the relationship between identification with a local team and well-being (Prediction 1), although past research had found a positive relationship between local team identification and well-being, this work was correlational in nature, and, consequently, information suggesting causality was lacking. The current study used a longitudinal cross-lag design to examine causal paths between team identification and psychological health, thereby testing Prediction 1. Forty-five individuals completed measures of identification with a local sport team and psychological health at two different times. Structural equation analyses indicated a significant positive link between identification at Time 1 and psychological health at Time 2. The link from psychological health at Time 1 to identification at Time 2 was not significant. Discussion centers on operationalizing "local" and "distant" teams and the defense mechanisms used by fans following their team's poor performance.
A number of social scientists have proposed theoretical models suggesting that social support networks can serve as important buffers from anxiety, loneliness and the like, thereby assisting individuals in maintaining their psychological health (Cohen & Wills, 1985; Rowe & Kahn, 1998; Thoits, 1982; Wann & Hamlet, 1994, 1996). One of the more extensive explanations of the impact of social groups on self-esteem and psychological health is provided by Tajfel (1981) in his social identity theory. Social identity theory posits that individuals prefer and attempt to maintain positive self- and social-identities. By identifying with and maintaining memberships in valued social groups and networks, a person's social-identity can be enhanced, thereby benefiting their overall self-concept (Hogg & Abrams, 1990).
The benefits of social connections are found among many groups, including those who are stigmatized (Crocker & Major, 1989), and in a variety of settings, including sport and physical activity (Bianco & Eklund, 2001). In fact, recent work indicates...