Psychological Well‐Being and the Socio‐Symbolics of Athletic Contests*

Abstract

Anecdotal accounts suggest that athletic contests affect the psychological well‐being of members of the community represented by the competing teams. While these effects are sociologically plausible, there is virtually no systematic evidence that documents the relation between athletic contests and well‐being. This study examines the relation between the play and performance of major athletic teams at a large university and use of the campus psychiatric clinic. Upon introduction of appropriate controls, the initial zero‐order relations between team play and performance and clinic usage disappear.