Fans forge deep emotional bonds with the teams or individuals they support, nurturing a strong sense of unity. They actively indulge in consuming news, sharing experiences via social networks, and distinguishing themselves from those possessing only casual interest in a team or player (Hull and Lewis, 2014).
Highly identified fans are deeply committed to a specific sport, team, or athlete, demonstrating strong emotional attachment, extensive knowledge, steadfast loyalty, and active participation in fan activities (Levental et al. 2021b).
The team holds remarkable stability in the fans’ lives, often assuming priority in disputes with other identities (Porat, 2010).
Compulsive sport consumption is characterized by habitual and obsessive engagement with sports, often with a sense of limited control (Aiken et al., 2018).
It can lead to negative internal feelings such as guilt, regret, and conflict, as well as external consequences like strained relationships and professional life (Simmons et al., 2011).
Compulsive sport consumption shares similarities with addiction, involving obsessive-compulsive tendencies and difficulties with impulse control (Huang and Leung, 2009).
Internally, fan values, attitudes, and identities shape loyalty and positive self-esteem (Bee and Kahle, 2006; Aiken et al., 2018).
Externally, social forces promote social cohesion and a sense of belonging, encouraging excessive sport consumption (Branscombe and Wann, 1991; Campbell et al., 2004).
Media and marketing cues also play a role, bombarding fans through various channels and fostering engagement with diverse sports (Fullerton and Punj, 2004; Prentice and Cotte, 2015; Hing et al., 2016).
Levental, O., Lev Arey, D. and Lev, A. (2023) Passionate hearts, torn loyalties: navigating the interplay between fandom and romance. Front. Psychol. 14:1240271. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1240271