IS TESTOSTERONE A FACTOR? Testosterone levels in male fans rise markedly after a victory but drop just as sharply after a defeat. Apparently the same pattern has been documented in male animals who fight over a female. Biologists think that the human animal may have evolved this way to end conflicts quickly. If so, it provides an interesting biological explanation of football hooliganism after big matches. Science backs up this theory. Testosterone levels were measured in 21 Italian and Brazilian men in Atlanta before and after Brazil's victory over Italy in soccer's 1994 World Cup. The Brazilians' testosterone rose 28 per cent on average, while the italians'levels dropped 27 per cent
IS TESTOSTERONE A FACTOR? Testosterone levels in male fans rise markedly after a victory but drop just as sharply after a defeat. Apparently the same pattern has been documented in male animals who fight over a female. Biologists think that the human animal may have evolved this way to end conflicts quickly. If so, it provides an interesting biological explanation of football hooliganism after big matches. Science backs up this theory. Testosterone levels were measured in 21 Italian and Brazilian men in Atlanta before and after Brazil’s victory over Italy in soccer’s 1994 World Cup. The Brazilians’ testosterone rose 28 per cent on average, while the Italians’ levels dropped 27 per cent
CAN BEING A FAN DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH? Yes, it can Indeed it can be fatal. The tension felt by football fans during penalty shoot-outs can trigger heart attacks and strokes in male spectators. On the day holland lost to France in Euro 96, deaths there from heart attacks and strokes rose by 50 per cent GROUP DENTITY Being an ardent fan could be simply the desire to belong to a group or a society - a need once answered by religion and politics This explains why some fans remain loyal through thick and thin, and despite the repeated failure of their teams. Surrounding yourself at a
CAN BEING A FAN DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH? Yes, it can. Indeed it can be fatal. The tension felt by football fans during penalty shoot-outs can trigger heart attacks and strokes in male spectators. On the day Holland lost to France in Euro 96, deaths there from heart attacks and strokes rose by 50 per cent GROUP IDENTITY Being an ardent fan could be simply the desire to belong to a group or a society — a need once answered by religion and politics. This explains why some fans remain loyal through thick and thin, and despite the repeated failure of their teams. Surrounding yourself at a
match with people who so clearly espouse your own enthusiasms and identifying your tribal membership with hats, scarves, Mexican waves and songs, makes you feel you belong as little else does What's more, you're part of a group where no questions are asked, explanations are unnecessary and where you can always rely on support. With so many traditional institutions like religion and family beginning to break down, the football crowd is the perfect family A HEALTHIER OUTLOOK? In most cases, a deep attachment to a team is healthy several studies show that an intense interest in a team can stave off depression and foster feelings of self-worth and belonging. That applies to all ardent
match with people who so clearly espouse your own enthusiasms, and identifying your tribal membership with hats, scarves, Mexican waves and songs, makes you feel you belong as little else does. What’s more, you’re part of a group where no questions are asked, explanations are unnecessary and where you can always rely on support. With so many traditional institutions like religion and family beginning to break down, the football crowd is the perfect family. A HEALTHIER OUTLOOK? In most cases, a deep attachment to a team is healthy. Several studies show that an intense interest in a team can stave off depression and foster feelings of self-worth and belonging. That applies to all ardent
sports fans. All human beings- including football fans -share the basic psychological need to belong. Without religion, without family, something has to answer that need. Today football, above all other sports, fills that crucial void (871 words)
sports fans. All human beings — including football fans — share the basic psychological need to belong. Without religion, without family, something has to answer that need. Today football, above all other sports, fills that crucial void. (871 words)
intense adi extreme in degree, strength, or size Examples He was sweating due to the intense heat. The military on both sides are involved in intense battle
intense adj. — extreme in degree, strength, or size Examples • He was sweating due to the intense heat. • The military on both sides are involved in intense battle