World Cup attitudes dispel outdated stereotypes of men and their emotions, says mental health charity

As World Cup fever sweeps the country, an in-depth survey by the Mental Health Foundation highlights how men feel about football and shows surprising attitudes towards the beautiful game…

How does football make men feel?

Most men thought football makes it easier for them to share their feelings (64%) and admitted that a match can make them upset (70%) and aggressive (58%). But 76% would not be embarrassed to hug their friends while watching football. However, more than half (59%) said that they would be embarrassed to cry in front of mates during a game (compared to only 49% who would be embarrassed to cry in front of mates about other issues). 75% said they have never cried over a football match.

And despite most men looking forward to the start of the World Cup, almost two thirds (63%) would happily miss England playing in the tournament to have sex. Only 27% of respondents said they would bunk off work to watch an England match, while 86% would rather be at the birth of their first child than watch England play in the World Cup final.

The survey found that the World Cup has many other positive and negative implications for male fans. 70% believe playing football is better than watching it, and 34% of respondents will play more football because of the world cup. 67% preferred to watch football with friends rather than his partner or family. Physical exercise and social interaction are both very good for your mental health. But 59% of respondents expect to drink more because of the World Cup. Excessive drinking can cause anxiety and depressive thoughts.

Dr. Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, says: "It is encouraging that football makes it easier for men to talk about their feelings as traditionally, men are far less likely than women to share their innermost thoughts. It is important that men feel able to express their emotions in whatever way they find most comfortable. Socialising and talking about your feelings are vital for good mental health and well being, as is exercise. It's uplifting to know that around a third of those questioned are planning to play more football because of the World Cup."

Dr. Sandy Wolfson, Head of Psychology at Northumbria University , says: "Football does have positive effects on people's psychological well-being. It gives people a ready-made topic of conversation where opinions on team selection, strategy, and players' skills are enjoyable topics for debate. Many people have made good friends and even met their spouses through football."


Interesting facts about football

· Psychologists are becoming increasingly aware of the impact which football can have on mental health.  It is thought to have an impact on emotions, relationships, identity and self-esteem.  In a recent study, 25% or 1 in 4 of all those who would describe themselves as a fan, said football was one of the most important things in their lives.
· Football gives men the opportunity to express tension and emotion, which is important to maintaining health. One in four people experience a mental health problem in any one year and suicide is the most common form of death for young men under the age of 35.  This age group is one of the most dominant in football crowds across the country.
· The World Cup in particular seems to have a positive effect on mental health. A study conducted in Scotland found that around the time of one world cup tournament, there was a reduction in numbers of emergency psychiatric admissions during and after the World Cup finals. 
· Watching and supporting football provides men with the opportunity to connect and bond. Belonging to a club is considered to be important for mental health as it offers a sense of identity, belonging and security.
· There is a view that football is a replacement for hunting! This theory says that being an active football fan is an attempt to compensate for the 'psychological vacuum' felt by hunters 'lost' in 21st century life. Football is a substitute for the hunt, combining the elements of male bonding, adrenalin and the prospect of reward.

Mental Health Foundation Survey Results

Playing football versus watching football
· 35% of men interviewed never play football
· 25% only play football once or twice a year
· 70% agreed that playing football is better than watching it

The World Cup
· 84% of respondents are really excited about the World Cup, even though only 50% of partners get into the spirit of things with them
· 34% said they would play more football during the World Cup
· 59% expect to drink more during the World Cup
· 63% of men interviewed would rather have sex than watch England play in the World Cup
· Only 27% would bunk off work to watch an England match
· 86% would rather be present at the birth of their first child than watch England in the final of the World Cup

The way men feel about football
· 75% said that they have never cried over a football match
· 59% of men interviewed would be embarrassed to cry in front of friends during a football match, whereas 49% would be embarrassed to cry in front of mates about other issues
· 76% would not be embarrassed to hug their friends whilst watching football
· 58% admit to sometimes feeling aggressive while watching football
· 70% said they can feel upset during a football match
· Only 35% admitted to getting teary while watching a football game
· 43% said they felt down if they missed a football match

Social interaction
· 67% preferred to watch football with friends, even though 64% said they still enjoyed watching a match with their family
· 64% thought football made it easier for men to share their feelings
· Only 30% of respondents see their mates to watch or play football
· 11% of men interviewed admitted to having a fight during a football match

Notes 

An information fact sheet about football and men's mental health is available on request.

A total of 500 questionnaires were completed online. Participants were aged between 18 and 70.

The Mental Health Foundation is the leading UK charity working to improve services for both people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities. It is the only charity to fund and work with both service users and providers and plays an important role in funding research and new approaches to promotion, treatment and care.

(26/4/06)