Study finds unexpected mental health benefits of attending live sporting events

Tuesday 21 July 2026 - 10:10

By: Azzat Manal

Study finds unexpected mental health benefits of attending live sporting events

Attending live sporting events may offer more than entertainment, according to new research from the University of Tsukuba in Japan. Scientists have found that watching sports in the company of other fans can strengthen social bonds, reduce stress, and improve overall psychological well-being.

The study suggests that shared experiences during sporting events stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with trust, empathy, and social connection. At the same time, participants showed lower levels of cortisol, the hormone commonly linked to stress.

Researchers have long recognized that strong social relationships play a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. Social isolation and limited interpersonal interaction have been associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These findings have encouraged scientists to explore natural ways of promoting positive social interactions.

Published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, the study examined whether attending live sporting events could naturally encourage these beneficial biological responses. Researchers monitored 60 spectators during university basketball games, collecting saliva samples before, during, and after the matches to measure hormone levels. Participants also wore heart-rate sensors and completed questionnaires about their emotions and enjoyment of the event.

The results showed that spectators with lower oxytocin levels before the games experienced noticeable increases during the matches. Cortisol levels declined while participants watched the games, indicating reduced stress. Researchers also observed greater synchronization in heart rates among spectators, a physiological sign often associated with shared emotional experiences and social bonding.

Participants reported stronger feelings of belonging, greater enjoyment of the event, and increased interest in attending future sporting competitions. The researchers believe these shared emotional experiences may contribute to stronger community connections, even when spectators do not directly interact with one another.

The research team plans to continue investigating why some individuals benefit more than others from these experiences. Future studies will explore factors such as match outcomes, previous sports participation, and how social behavior develops throughout different stages of life.

The findings highlight the growing recognition that sport can contribute not only to physical fitness and entertainment but also to mental health by encouraging social interaction, reducing stress, and strengthening a sense of community.