Randi Martin, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Screaming, smack talking, booing, crying and even praying are pretty common sights at anyplace a group of men gather to watch sports – whether it be at the stadium, a sports bar or even in a living room.
That sometimes extreme and crazy behavior is not their fault. They can blame steroids, the natural kind.
According to a new study by the University of Valencia in Spain, two hormones – testosterone and cortisol – increase in the bodies of male sports fans during an event.
The sudden gush of these hormones, typically generated by stress, sets pulses racing and hearts thumping.
The study found this reaction is consistent with the “social self preservation theory,” which means men feel it’s a threat to their own self esteem if their team loses.
Sports is an area of life where men are allowed to release the pressure and go to extremes.
Men are allowed to show their emotion during events – applause and admiration on one end or rants and screams on the other.
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