Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Football fans contribute to pollution and environmental impact, yet how they perceive factors connected to the natural environment remains understudied. This study focuses on four such factors, including connectedness to nature, perceived environmental pollution, transport-specific environmental consciousness, and environmental knowledge, that are particularly relevant in the context of sports-related behavior. Understanding these perceptions is important, especially as environmental education alone often falls short in fostering sustained pro-environmental behavior. This connection is crucial, as individuals may be more inclined to adopt environmentally sustainable behaviors when such actions are perceived to support, or at least not undermine, their well-being. This study examines how factors connected to the natural environment relate to eudaimonic and hedonic well-being among football fans in Germany. METHODS: Survey data was collected from 839 football fans of a German third-division club. Well-being was assessed using validated scales for eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. Seemingly unrelated regression models were employed to examine how factors connected to the natural environment relate to the two well-being measures, controlling for demographic variables. RESULTS: The findings indicated that, among fans, the assessed factors connected to the natural environment were moderately pronounced. Connectedness to nature and environmental knowledge scored slightly higher, while perceived environmental pollution and transport-specific environmental consciousness showed neutral ratings. Connectedness to nature was positively associated with both eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. Perceived environmental pollution was negatively linked to hedonic well-being, and transport-specific environmental consciousness was negatively related to eudaimonic well-being. No significant associations were found for environmental knowledge. DISCUSSION: These results highlight the complex role of environmental perceptions in shaping football fans' well-being. While fostering connectedness to nature may enhance overall well-being, sustainability concerns may lead to psychological burdens. Investigating these dynamics in a population often viewed as environmentally indifferent challenges common stereotypes and reveals that football fans are aware of environmental issues. By understanding these perceptions, stakeholders can design sustainability initiatives that build on fans' existing values and behaviors, encouraging meaningful participation and environmentally responsible matchday practices that also support well-being.