Team Identification Level Among University Student Sports Fans: Its Relationship with Self-Esteem, Anger Level, and Anger Expression Styles

Objective: This study aimed to investigate how team identification among university students who follow sports is associated with self-esteem, anger level, and anger expression style, emphasizing potential implications for mental health. Materials and Methods: A total of 573 students participated, all of whom reported regular involvement in sports-related activities. Data were gathered using standardized self-report instruments that measured team identification, self-esteem, and anger patterns. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and the resulting data were evaluated through relevant statistical analyses. Results: The findings indicated that higher levels of team identification were linked to stronger outward anger expression and elevated anger levels. Notably, male students and those whose parents had lower educational backgrounds tended to demonstrate higher team identification. However, no significant relationship emerged between team identification and self-esteem, suggesting that intense allegiance to a sports team may not necessarily influence personal self-regard. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of recognizing team identification as a factor that can affect emotional balance and anger-related behaviors among sports-oriented university students. By considering these connections in academic and clinical settings, strategies for enhancing mental well-being and mitigating potential adverse outcomes—such as heightened anger responses—may be more effectively developed and implemented.