A societal perspective on nostalgia in satellite sports fandom: insights from the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions

ABSTRACT

Nostalgia has been identified as a critical influence on sport fans. Although researchers have explored various aspects of satellite fans’ nostalgia, none have approached it from a societal standpoint. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between social connectedness needs and sport nostalgia among satellite fans. In addition, we examined how nostalgia is related to affective relationships, subjective well-being, and travel intention based on Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Data were collected from 222 Singapore satellite fans using an online questionnaire. Results showed that satellite fans’ nostalgic feelings, which arose from social connectedness needs, positively impacted their affective relationships and subjective well-being. These feelings motivated them to travel to sporting events. The findings enhance our understanding of how social connectedness needs influences satellite fans’ psychology and behaviour. Furthermore, it illustrates how nostalgia can expand and strengthen emotional connections and subjective well-being, underscoring its ability to affect travel intentions.

KEYWORDS:

• Satellite fan
• nostalgia
• social connectedness needs
• affective relationships
• well-being
• travel intention

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge that this study was not funded by any organisation and appreciate Ms. Ling Yi Xin supporting data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Heetae Cho

Heetae Cho is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sport Science at Sungkyunkwan University. The primary focus of his research is to understand sport participants’ and fans’ behavior and well-being. A large portion of his work is devoted to exploring nostalgia in the context of sport, including its conceptual framework, roles, types, and levels.

Weisheng Chiu

Weisheng Chiu is an Associate Professor of Sport Management and Department Head of Management and Strategy in the Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration at the Hong Kong Metropolitan University. His research interests primarily involve exploring psychological variables affecting consumer behavior within sport industry.