A multidimensional scale for assessing sport fan well-being: an examination in the context of professional baseball

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose The purposes of this research are to (1) introduce a four-dimensional (hedonic, eudainomic, social, and physical) conceptualization of fan well-being in spectator sport and (2) present evidence for the reliability and validity of the multidimensional scale of fan well-being. Methodology Data were collected from professional baseball spectators in Japan. Through an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis, we assessed the factor structure of sport fan well-being, operationalized by a final set of 18 items. Findings Study 1 supports the four-factor structure of the scale, including a new dimension of physical fan well-being. In Study 2, the findings provide evidence for the construct validity of the measurement model and suggest that the four well-being dimensions are positively associated with previously validated scales (flourishing and life satisfaction) and can be integrated into a second-order latent construct. Practical implications Given the conceptual distinction between physical fan well-being and the other three dimensions, sport teams should provide fans with (1) cheering activities that are easy to understand and follow and (2) healthy food choices that allow fans to control body weight and prevent obesity. Research contribution This study extends previous research by integrating a new dimension of physical fan well-being, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of context-specific well-being in spectator sport.