An Examination of Dysfunctional Sports Fans Introduction Kirk Wakefield of Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University and Daniel Wann of the Department of Psychology at Murray State University examine the dark side of what may be seen as excessive sports fan identification. Past examinations of highly identified sports fans have focused on the positive aspects of identification with the team in terms of attitudes, participation, attendance of events, merchandise purchases, and other pro-team related …showed first 75 words of 982 total…

…showed last 75 words of 982 total…more likely to be classified as highly dysfunctional fans than less dysfunctional fans. Also, as anticipated highly dysfunctional fans reported significantly higher levels of consumption in sports media that accommodate complaining and confrontational tendencies than did those classified as less dysfunctional. Reference: Wakefield, K.L., Daniel, L.W., (2006). An examination of dysfunctional sport fans: Method of classification and relationships with problem behaviors. Journal of Leisure Research, 38[2], 168-186, 19p. Retrieved June 18, 2006, from the EBSCO Host database.