When your favorite college team wins the big game, it can boost your self-esteem for days — especially if you watch the game with others, a new study suggests.
Researchers assessed 174 students from Ohio State (OSU) and Michigan State (MSU) universities before and after a key 2015 football game. Michigan State, then ranked No. 9, beat No. 3 OSU on a field-goal as time expired.
Before the game on Saturday, fans from both schools had similar levels of self-esteem when asked to rate their body, appearance, academic ability and other measures. But two days after the faceoff, elated MSU students were riding high, while disappointed OSU fans’ self-esteem saw little change.
Researchers said how and if the students saw the matchup was key.