Sport Are you anxious? You are not alone
Kiwis are so anxious about the World Cup the nation’s mental health will be negatively affected if the All Blacks lose to Ireland tomorrow, a research group says.
Gemba Insights Programme has released data showing a more than 70 per cent increase since last month in rugby fanatics suggesting their mental health will be hurt should Ireland win the quarterfinal.
Gemba specialises in researching the relationships New Zealanders have with sports and entertainment. Their World Cup surveys have put hard data behind that growing sickness in the pit of our stomachs.
It has found more and more New Zealanders expressing anxiety about the outcome of the World Cup, as well as an increase in overall interest in the tournament.
Since the Rugby World Cup began on September 20, 76 per cent more Kiwis have described the World Cup as of extreme importance to their lives.
Gemba general manager Gabrielle Pritchard said the firm would continue to monitor anxiety levels as the World Cup progressed.
‘‘We’ve been tracking Kiwis’ attitudes, passions, participation and consumption since 2011,’’ Pritchard said. ‘‘Leading into the World Cup we have been tracking attitudes and interest in the tournament, and . . . found a noticeable rising anxiety as we head into the quarterfinals.
‘‘We polled Kiwis before the start of the Cup, this week before the quarterfinals and will continue to monitor the mood of the nation through the tournament.’’
In general, interest in the All Blacks’ campaign was increasing, as was anxiety about the outcome and the potential impact on mental health if New Zealand were to lose, she said.
Self confessed rugby tragic Simon Johnston was one who can feel his World Cup anxiety building, in the countdown to the match tomorrow night.
Johnston, a stalwart of Auckland club rugby, still reflected on the shock quarterfinal exit by the All Blacks, when France bundled them out 20-18.
‘‘I remember 2007 like it was yesterday, and it took me a while to recover from that,’’ Johnston said.
He took a mental health day to recover. ‘‘Back then once the All Blacks lost I was down, a bit depressed I guess, and lost interest in the rest of the tournament completely.
‘‘I’d say I’ll head down a similar spiral if the Irish get up this weekend – though I think the All Blacks will win.’’