2026 Volume 33 Issue 3 Pages 674-682
Cheering is deeply embedded in daily life, with familiar examples including school clubs, music concerts, and sports. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of factors recorded at venues, such as the presence of spectators or positive verbal encouragement, and the number of spectators. However, a subjective aspect, such as how recipients recognize the role of cheering, has not been fully examined. This study explored the role of cheering beyond numerical effects through a case study approach based on multiple analysis perspectives. An interview was conducted with a former professional athlete, and the verbal reports were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The results suggested that cheering establishes an interactive relationship between those who cheer and those who receive it, and that the mechanism enhancing intrinsic motivation differs depending on situations, such as home and away. As a first step toward understanding the role of cheering, this study provides a new research stance that captures it as an interaction between these two sides.
