Athletes who find themselves in very emotional states during wins or losses sometimes try to hide their feelings from their teammates. However, a new study conducted at Indiana University, Bloomington, reveals that showing extreme happiness or sadness can actually improve morale.
In a study, college football players looked at photos of men who teared up after a loss. The researchers found that athletes tended to view this kind of display as appropriate, and volunteers who opined that crying was okay were more likely to have high self-esteem.
"Overall, college football players who strive to be stronger and are emotionally expressive are more likely to have a mental edge on and off the field," said psychologist and co-author Jesse Steinfeldt, Ph.D.
Motivational stories for athletes tend to center around stereotypical male characters, but they often have one other thing in common: the ability to comfortably show emotion. It is this kind of inspirational story about success that drives young kids and people on life journeys to do their best, but to not forget to nourish their inner selves.
