Qatar 2022: This is the difference between a soccer fan and a soccer fanatic

Sports psychologist Mario Reyes-Bossio also explained what are the feelings that a favorable or adverse result generate.

Sport in general produces different feelings in people. At this stage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, positive aspects of soccer are also evident, such as identity, development of communication skills, imagination, sense of belonging, empathy, solidarity, leadership and camaraderie, which allows the release of endorphins to increase emotional well-being.

However, depending on the personality of the fan, these feelings may vary, impacting mental health. Remember that in sports, as in other activities, there are not only the fans, but also the fanatics.

Differences between fans and fanatics

Mario Reyes-Bossio, a specialist in sports psychology and research faculty member at UPC, warns us that it is important to differentiate the fan from the fanatic; they are two completely different characters in the same scenario.

• Fan: “Being a fan of a team or sport will awaken and generate positive emotions and adaptive developmental behaviors.”
• Fanatic: “Fanaticism could lead to maladaptive or negative behaviors,” said the specialist in sports psychology and research faculty member.

In addition, the specialist explains that science has shown that when human beings see innate psychological needs such as competition, autonomy and relationships satisfied, they feel more motivated.

That is, a favorable result can generate motivation, joy, perseverance. An adverse result, depending on the fan’s personality, could cause feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety, stress and even heart problems and insomnia. This could sometimes trigger maladaptive behaviors such as violence that go beyond sports, escalating to family, work and social scenarios.

What to do until the playoff game?

Definitely, in these remaining months until the day of the playoff,  Peruvian fans may feel some tension and anxiety due to the uncertainty of not knowing the result, taking into account that it is a single match and in a neutral field. In this regard, Mario Reyes-Bossio offers some recommendations to take care of our mental health:

1. The fan must know that he or she can not have control over things in very process and that it is useless to be anxious if the game has not yet been played.
2. It is also important to understand that this is a competition, and that whether we win or lose, it should not affect our lives, because afterwards we will have to continue with our daily activities.
3. Knowing how to manage your emotions is key. As we know, uncertainty and frustration generate an imbalance in the individual, so it is critical to maintain a steady motivation, to be all in the same page to support the team and live the experience of having the possibility of shouting again a goal for Peru in a World Cup.
4. The public should continue encouraging the team in a positive, realistic and objective manner and keep in mind that any result (victory or defeat) is possible. The most gratifying thing is to know that the team is giving everything to reach the goal.