Social Activities Mediate the Relation between Fandom Identification and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Prior research demonstrates that a relationship exists between fan identification and psychological well-being. In the present research, we attempted to both conceptually replicate this finding, testing its generalizability in different fan groups and measured in different contexts, as well as extend it by testing whether fan friendships (Study 1) and fan activities (Studies 2 and 3) mediate the association. Across the three studies, fandom—the social component of fan identity—was found to be a significant predictor of psychological well-being while fanship—the more individualistic component of fan identity—was not. In Study 1, we found that having more friends who share one’s fan interest mediates the relationship between fandom identification and well-being. In Studies 2 and 3, attending fan events—a social activity—but not consuming media or online engagement likewise mediated the association between fandom identification and psychological well-being.

Keywords:

• Fandom
• fanship
• identification
• psychological well-being
• social identity

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.