NCJ Number
183448
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 2000 Pages: 329-341
Editor(s)
Vincent B. Van Hasselt,
Michel Hersen
Date Published
2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Research on fan behavior in the sociology of sports has discussed the issue of fan behavior at or shortly after the sporting event but has focused less on how successes and failures of sports teams are related to the general public; the author compared suicide and homicide rates to the successes and failures of professional sports teams in 30 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) between 1971 and 1990.
Abstract
All variables were taken from component counties of the 30 MSAs. Only MSAs with at least one professional sports team for the entire 20-year period were examined. Using Gabennesch's 1988 theory of broken promises as a theoretical framework, statistical analysis revealed making the playoffs was significantly related to a decline in suicide and homicide rates. Winning championships was significantly related to a decline only for suicide rates. The highest homicide rates were in New Orleans, Miami, and Houston, while the highest suicide rates were in Denver, Miami, Oakland, and San Francisco. The intensity of fan identification with sports teams varied. Explanations for the associations between suicide and homicide and sports teams are offered, and further research on such associations is recommended. Supporting statistical data are appended. 63 references, 6 footnotes, and 3 tables