The Psychology of Sports Fandom in China: Emotional Dynamics, Execution Intention, and the Mediating Role of Self Efficacy

Abstract

This study explores the intrinsic relationship between emotional and psychological factors and the willingness to act within the Chinese sports fan community (referred to as the "Sports Fandom"). It further investigates the mediating role of self-efficacy in this dynamic. Drawing on grounded theory and hypothesis-driven research, the study employed in-depth interviews to identify key evaluation indicators, followed by a survey of 458 valid responses. Structural equation modeling and mediation analysis revealed that emotional contagion, group identity, psychological needs, and competitive factors positively influence execution intention. Self-efficacy not only directly enhances this intention but also mediates the impact of the aforementioned factors. These findings provide novel insights into the psychological mechanisms underlying fan behavior in sports communities, offering valuable implications for both theoretical development and practical management strategies in the field.