Graduation Year
2022
Date of Submission
4-2022
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology
Reader 1
Craig Bowman
Abstract
In the past years, much psychological research and social studies have contributed to explaining and understanding the driving factors behind a popular cultural phenomenon—fandom. More and more people coming from different age groups, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds start to actively participate and engage in fandom activities and behaviors. It is believed that a healthy fandom community can have many potential benefits including while not restricted to emotional well-being, life satisfaction, belongingness and connectedness, and identity construction. This thesis intends to provide an overview for fans and the fandom community. I would use psychological works of literature related to fandom to explain how the concept of PSOC (psychological sense of community) and social identity theory fit into fandom psychology: why fans become fans and what do we get from being a fan?
Recommended Citation
Fu, Shu, "Why Fans Become Fans and What Do We Get from Being a Fan?" (2022). CMC Senior Theses. 3080.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3080
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
