Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, Vol 29(3), Sep 2025, 191-198; doi:10.1037/gdn0000240
Objective: Prior research found that highly identified spectators need to share the victory of their team (i.e., basking in reflected glory) as a way to increase territorial identification. Method: This study aims to address the main limitations of this work with a larger sample of supporters (N = 101), focusing on a different context (soccer at both local and national levels) and by considering additional variables, such as the outgroup territorial identification and the happiness emotion. Results: The results first replicated previous research concerning the mediating role of the basking in reflected glory process. As an extension, a serial mediation analysis revealed that team identification was associated with basking in reflected glory, which in turn was associated with happiness and, consequently, ingroup territorial identification. Conclusion: This research highlights the importance of considering affective components to understand the processes through which sports teams build social connections with people. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)