Regulación emocional y bienestar psicológico en los jóvenes aficionados al fútbol

Abstract

Football has become a sociocultural phenomenon that goes beyond the game, directly influencing the identity, emotions, and social lives of many young people. This study analyzes the relationship between emotional regulation and psychological well-being in young football fans, considering its impact on mental health and personal development. Emotional regulation refers to the ability to appropriately manage emotions, while psychological well-being encompasses self-acceptance, life purpose, and the quality of interpersonal relationships. Both variables are key to understanding how young people emotionally cope with their football passion and how this influences their overall wellbeing. The study was conducted with four participants, young people between 18 and 40 years old, members of the "Boca del Pozo" fan club of Club Sport Emelec, in the cantón of Santa Rosa, province of El Oro. Through semi-structured interviews and participant observation, experiences were collected about how they experience, express, and regulate their emotions related to football. It was identified that this sport not only represents a recreational activity, but also a structuring element of identity, a source of motivation, belonging, and a sense of purpose in life. Intense emotions such as joy, euphoria, sadness, or anger influence their emotional stability and relationships. Some apply strategies such as isolation or meditation, while others react impulsively. Psychological well-being is reflected in self-esteem, strong social ties, and the active construction of meaning in their daily lives.