News Release, 23 May 2006
With World Cup fever currently sweeping the country, research by the Mental Health Foundation highlights how men feel about football and shows startling attitudes towards the beautiful game.
Despite most men looking forward to the start of the World Cup, almost two thirds (63%) would happily miss England playing in the tournament to have sex. Only 27% of respondents said they would bunk off work to watch an England match, while 86% would rather be at the birth of their first child than watch England play in the World Cup final.
How does football make men feel?
Most men thought football makes it easier for blokes to share their feelings (64%) and admitted that a match can make them upset (70%) and aggressive (58%). But 76% would not be embarrassed to hug their friends while watching football. More than half (59%) said that they would be embarrassed to cry in front of mates during a game (compared to only 49% who would be embarrassed to cry in front of mates about other issues). 75% said they have never cried over a football match.
The survey found that the World Cup has many other positive and negative implications for male fans. 70% believe playing football is better than watching it, and 34% of respondents will play more football because of the World Cup. 67% preferred to watch football with friends rather than his partner or family. Physical exercise and social interaction are both very good for your mental health. But 59% of respondents expect to drink more because of the World Cup. Excessive drinking can cause anxiety and depressive thoughts.
Dr. Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, says:
“It is encouraging that football makes it easier for men to talk about their feelings as traditionally, men are far less likely than women to share their innermost thoughts. It is important that men feel able to express their emotions in whatever way they find most comfortable. Socialising and talking about your feelings are vital for good mental health and well being, as is exercise. It’s uplifting to know that around a third of those questioned are planning to play more football because of the World Cup.”
Dr. Sandy Wolfson, Head of Psychology at Northumbria University, says:
"Football does have positive effects on people's psychological well-being. It gives people a ready-made topic of conversation where opinions on team selection, strategy, and players' skills are enjoyable topics for debate. Many people have made good friends and even met their spouses through football."
Ends
Return to news releases 2006
Mental Health Foundation Survey Results
Playing football versus watching football
- 35% of men interviewed never play football
- 25% only play football once or twice a year
- 70% agreed that playing football is better than watching it
The World Cup
- 84% of respondents are really excited about the World Cup, even though only 50% of partners get into the spirit of things with them
- 34% said they would play more football during the World Cup
- 59% expect to drink more during the World Cup
- 63% of men interviewed would rather have sex than watch England play in the World Cup
- Only 27% would bunk off work to watch an England match
- 86% would rather be present at the birth of their first child than watch England in the final of the World Cup
The way men feel about football
- 75% said that they have never cried over a football match
- 59% of men interviewed would be embarrassed to cry in front of friends during a football match, whereas 49% would be embarrassed to cry in front of mates about other issues
- 76% would not be embarrassed to hug their friends whilst watching football
- 58% admit to sometimes feeling aggressive while watching football
- 70% said they can feel upset during a football match
- Only 35% admitted to getting teary while watching a football game
- 43% said they felt down if they missed a football match
Social interaction
- 67% preferred to watch football with friends, even though 64% said they still enjoyed watching a match with their family
- 64% thought football made it easier for men to share their feelings
- Only 30% of respondents see their mates to watch or play football
- 11% of men interviewed admitted to having a fight during a football match
Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1128 / 1130 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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