Abstract
Dysfunctional sport fans are classified as fans who have impaired function as it relates to socialization and social groups in the sport context, leading them to be highly confrontational and frequently complain within sporting environments (Wakefield & Wann, 2006). These fans are frequently loud, obsessive and even violent (Wann & James, 2019). The current research attempts to provide insight into this degree of excessive fandom behavior. Although previous work has examined demographics, alcohol, media consumption, and game attendance among dysfunctional fans, research has yet to examine the level of willpower (i.e., self-control) among these persons. With consideration that dysfunctional sport fans are highly expressive and aggressive (Wann & James, 2019), this study sought to investigate the relationship between dysfunctional sport fandom and willpower. We expected dysfunctional sport fans to have weaker levels of willpower than non-dysfunctional sport fans. This was examined through student participation in a questionnaire assessing the level of self-control, sport fandom, team identification, and dysfunctional fandom maintained within the individual. Results indicated that, as hypothesized, there was a significant negative correlation between fan dysfunction and willpower, which provides insight into the nature of dysfunctional sport fans.
Recommended Citation
Minor, Anna M. and Wann, Daniel L.
(2026)
"An Analysis of the Sport Fan You Don’t Want to Encounter: Willpower and Fan Dysfunction,"
Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management: Vol. 6, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/finsheem/vol6/iss1/4