The day after you win the World Cup: The transformative power of international sporting success for social cohesion, intragroup interactions and health

Objectives: This study examined the impact of a high-profile international sporting event (Rugby World Cup Final 2015) on social interactions and health in the participating countries.Design: Within-subject diary and survey data were collected in New Zealand (victorious) and Australia (defeated). Pre-match data were collected on the day of the final, and post-match data on either the following day or five days post-match.Methods: Within-subject diaries detailing social interactions and experiences were completed by 45 participants (24 in New Zealand and 12 in Australia). These were examined using Thematic Analysis. Within-subject surveys were completed by 322 participants (213 in New Zealand and 109 in Australia) and were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVAs and structural equation modelling.Results: In New Zealand there were significant post-match increases in self-efficacy, life satisfaction, community cohesion, self-esteem and health. Moreover, improvements in community cohesion and quality of social interaction had positive indirect effects on health through self-efficacy and life satisfaction. These results were not replicated in the Australian data. Diary entries from New Zealanders complemented the quantitative data by explaining how intragroup intimacy, support and joy emanated from the shared collective experience of overcoming an outgroup rival.Conclusions: New Zealanders experienced a positive transformation in social relations with strangers which led to an increased perception of health. No such change was reported by Australian participants, although comparisons were limited by pre-match differences in rugby identification. The results demonstrate the ability of international sport to facilitate intragroup intimacy and support and provides further evidence for ‘Social Cure’ processes in determining health outcomes.

Jaar van publicatie:2019