It’s a rite of spring for many of us: filling out brackets during the March Madness NCAA basketball tournaments.
Whether you tend to pick all the top-seeded teams or choose based on mascots and colors, you might be compelled to place your support behind an underdog.
That’s not because you’re looking to make a lousy pick. It’s simply human nature to cheer for the little guy and to take comfort in watching the big guy trip up.
Underdog success appeals to us for many reasons.
Relatability in psychology
The underdog is somebody who doesn’t seem as talented as an opponent but is still able to achieve something great. We often can identify with those teams more than the powerhouses that always win.
We revel in their unexpected success because we want to see ourselves doing something great, even if we’re not the most talented or have fewer advantages.
This gives us hope that we, too, can beat the odds and achieve a goal in our own lives.
Schadenfreude and competitive psychology
Schadenfreude (pronounced SHAH’-den-froid-uh) is the concept of as deriving satisfaction from the misfortune of others – in this case, from losses by dominant or consistently winning teams.
We might be inclined to root against top teams because we don’t want to always see the same people win no matter what the circumstances.
We also like the idea that if something doesn’t go well for the people at the top, it opens advantages for us and allows us to move up.
There’s a competitive element to the reaction, supporting a mindset that “there’s one less person in my way.”
Desire for variety and fairness in March Madness
Just as we appreciate the story of David and Goliath, we appreciate when we see a chink in the armor of a top team.
People may feel like it’s unfair for the same teams to win year after year, even if the talent is there and they practice just as hard as everybody else.
We want to spread the wealth, to give someone else a shot. If one person is winning all the time, it feels like we can’t win, but underdog successes make us feel like everybody's got a chance.
Seeing the same teams win repeatedly also reduces excitement. Unexpected outcomes make sports feel more entertaining and meaningful.
Psychological limits to underdog support
The amount of power these feelings evoke can depend on how much we identify with teams. You may not feel as warmly about an underdog that topples your team.
Also affecting underdog support is legalized gambling, which can intensify feelings associated with wins and losses.
It all feels more personal if we identify with a team or have a significant amount of money invested in a game’s outcome.
If your team is the March Madness underdog
An underdog win can bring national attention to smaller or lesser-known schools.
If you happen to be among the school’s alumni or fans, you’ll likely experience an increase in school pride.
These wins can have such a powerful effect that they often positively impact a school’s enrollment, funding and reputation.
Why March Madness is especially compelling
Unlike any other sporting contest, these tournaments include 64 teams, creating more opportunities for surprise outcomes, more opportunities for a Cinderella story.
Anybody would win on any given day. Everyone has a chance.
Also, broader participation and bracket challenges can lead to more fan bases feeling represented and greater national interest, even among casual or non-sports fans.
Tips for reining in the emotional intensity of March Madness
Do your best to avoid personalizing losses, and never take out your frustration on players. Remember that college athletes are young people in their late teens and early 20s doing their best under intense pressure. Social media and gambling have increased the risk for player mental health issues due to harassment and threats.
It’s normal if watching these games increases excitement levels. But be mindful if emotional reactions feel overwhelming or hard to shake. Something may need to be addressed if negative feelings seem to go on and on.
Also, when betting on sports, take your time, be intentional and pay attention to how much you’re investing. If gambling becomes impulsive or excessive, reach out for help.
Are you an athlete seeking mental health counseling or mental skills training?
Ohio State Sport Psychology services are available.
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