Humans have a fundamental need to belong to groups. However, this need for belongingness is often thwarted when they experience bullying or ostracism from their conspecifics, which may compel them to turn away from other humans. One possible response to this ostracism is through the anthropomorphizing of nonhuman entities, which may be associated with a greater sense of felt connection to, or kinship with them, as well as a feeling of belonging to a shared ingroup with nonhuman animals. The present research tested a serial mediation model wherein the association of ostracism or bullying with a tendency to identify and connect with nonhuman animals is mediated by the extent to which one anthropomorphizes nonhuman animals. Four cross-sectional survey studies were conducted to test this proposed model, three of which employed samples of fans defined by their interest in media featuring anthropomorphized nonhuman animal characters (furries), and a fourth, which included college undergraduate students, to test the generalizability of the model. Support for the model was found across all four studies, including evidence of the proposed serial mediation pathway. Moreover, in the furry samples, a tendency to anthropomorphize nonhuman animals was also associated positively with fan-specific attitudes and behaviors (e.g., stronger fan identification, stronger identification with an anthropomorphized nonhuman animal representation of oneself). The implications of these findings for research on anthropomorphism and nonhuman animal welfare, as well as practical implications for the furry fandom and for media featuring anthropomorphized nonhuman animal characters, are discussed. The findings are also contextualized with a discussion of the study's limitations, including potentially fruitful avenues for future research aiming to test the generalizability, causal direction, and behavioral consequences of the model.

Prior research determined that stigma can have positive, indirect effects on minoritized groups when mediated through coping strategies. We surveyed furries - a stigmatized fan group centered on shared interest in anthropomorphism - regarding their perception of stigma, coping strategies employed, well-being, and self-esteem. The results showed that perception of stigma positively associated with a variety of coping strategies, which were differently associated with self-esteem and well-being. Mediation analyses revealed significant, indirect associations through various coping strategies. Overall, our findings reveal that the association between is mitigated by the coping strategies employed to deal with stigma toward their groups.

En el presente trabajo examinamos la relación entre tres variables: la frecuencia de consumo de contenido relacionado con el anime, el uso del anime como vía de escape y el deseo de aprender más sobre Japón. Personas que se identifican como aficionadas al anime completaron mediciones de estas tres variables; los resultados revelaron que un mayor consumo de contenido relacionado con el anime se asociaba con un mayor nivel de evasión y un mayor deseo de aprender sobre Japón. Posteriormente, pusimos a prueba —y hallamos evidencia que respalda— un modelo de mediación en el que dos formas de evasión (la autoexpansión y la autosupresión) mediaban la asociación entre el consumo y el deseo de aprender sobre Japón. Estos hallazgos subrayan la utilidad de distinguir entre la autoexpansión y la autosupresión como formas diferentes de evasión, al tiempo que demuestran que la evasión —a menudo abordada en términos de sus consecuencias negativas— también se asocia con el aprendizaje sobre otra cultura y con el turismo de aficionados. Los resultados respaldan la idea de que el anime es un producto de exportación japonés que aporta «poder blando» a un país que busca fomentar el acercamiento cultural.

Furries are fans of media featuring anthropomorphized animal characters. As part of this interest, most furries construct a fursona-an anthropomorphized animal representation of themselves. Many of the species commonly chosen by fans for their fursonas have stereotypes associated with them. Based on prior research, we hypothesized that funy participants shown profiles of hypothetical furries would be more likely to remember details of profiles with species stereotype-consistent information as compared to those with species stereotype-inconsistent information. Participants showed better memory for profiles whose personality matched (vs. mismatched) the stereotypes associated with their fursona species. We discuss these results in the context of prior research-both on the furry fandom specifically and on the role of schemas in memory more generally.

Theories about the effects of fictional romantic partners on real romantic relationships have been considered for centuries. In recent years, emerging technology has made these fictional romantic partners feel more real, and these technologies allow for greater engagement than ever before. In the present study, we consider this subject in the context of anime fans, examining Japanese anime characters who, if they were real, people would want relationships with them and the nature of the connections (emotional, sexual, and love) that people form with them. From a quantitative survey, we found that men tend to form sexual connections with characters, while women tend to form emotional connections with characters. Sexual connections were associated with both the character's appearance and the similarity of self to the participant, while emotional connections were associated with both the character's personality and their similarity to the participant. Findings also suggested that people feel genuine love for fictional partners, with decisions about fictional partners matching expectations based on evolutionary mate selection.

Animal charities are essential in the fight for animal welfare, but predicting who will donate to these organizations is often a challenge. In the present study, we utilize a modified version of the theory of planned behavior which also considers past behavior and felt solidarity with animals to predict when prospective donors are most likely to donate to animal charities. We tested this model on a sample of furries - a fan community centered around media featuring anthropomorphized animal characters - and college students to predict their likelihood of giving to animal charities. Results revealed that people with a prior history of donating, feelings that they are capable of donating, outward pressure from others to donate, and connectedness with animals are more likely to donate to animal charities. Knowing these variables, we point to future directions animal charities can take to bolster funding for their projects.

Cosplay, a portmanteau of the words ‘costume’ and ‘roleplay’, involves fans dressing up and acting out fictional characters, usually at fan-themed events. Previous research on cosplay and well-being has found that people who cosplay, compared to non-cosplaying anime fans, experience more positive well-being, in part because they are more likely to disclose their fan interests to others rather than hiding it. In the present study we expand upon prior research by testing whether fandom identification and attending events mediate the association between cosplaying (i.e. a sample of cosplayers vs. non-cosplaying anime fans) and well-being. The results provide evidence for a serial mediation model consistent with our predictions and with prior findings. We discuss implications for measuring well-being in fan communities, including both cosplayers and non-cosplaying fans, as well as the potential benefits of in-person contact with members of one’s fandom.

Transhumanism is a school of thought that promotes the enhancement of humanity through technological intervention (e.g., cloning, gene therapies, uploading one’s mind to a computer, nanotechnology). Due to its aims of altering evolutionary processes (Bostrom, 2005), transhumanism is highly controversial (Sinicki, 2015). The ideology finds support from younger men, as well as those engaged in science-fiction literature (Gangadharbatla, 2020; Koverola et al., 2022). The present study aimed to investigate the role of gender and specific science fiction fan identities as predictors of transhumanism in three different samples of fandoms affiliated with science-fiction (e.g., anime fans, furries, and Star Wars fans) as well as in a control sample of college students. Participants (N = 6840) responded to a novel measure of transhumanist orientation in either an online or in-person survey. The findings indicated that men were the most likely to endorse transhumanism, as were fans of Star Wars and furries. Overall, the present study supports theorizing that transhumanism may be an influential motif in the science-fiction genre, as well as an appealing ideology for men.

This paper documents a case study of how academics can use traditional research and non-traditional knowledge mobilization to improve the dissemination of findings related to stigmatized communities. The International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP) used peer-reviewed scholarship to challenge pervasive media misconceptions and misinformation about furries. Finding the reach of traditional academic outlets was inadequate to meaningfully impact mainstream misconceptions, we rebranded our research efforts under the name Furscience and utilized social marketing and creative dissemination to repackage the IARP’s research into more public-friendly, accessible formats. Furscience has become a multi-purpose platform specifically engineered to forge connections among academics, furries, the public, and media. It also supports the furry community’s own diverse, anti-stigma efforts by providing data, public education, and partnerships. We offer preliminary evidence that suggests Furscience has increased its public reach and that furries, themselves, see improvements in how the media and public understand their community. This case study offers academics who work with stigmatized populations—especially those plagued by misinformation—and engage in translational research an example of how data, community and media partnerships, and non-traditional dissemination strategies can improve research accessibility and anti-stigma efforts. We conclude with a summary of the lessons learned by Furscience.

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.

Research suggests that people at the interface of two different cultures may face a dilemma regarding how or whether to adopt aspects of the new culture in light of their existing cultural identity. A growing body of research in fan communities suggests that similar group processes may operate in recreational, volitional identities. We tested this by examining the associations between acculturation attitudes and identification with fan communities across three studies. Fanfiction fans, Star Wars fans, and furries completed measures of four different acculturation strategies with respect to managing their fan and non-fan communities as well as a measure of their identification with the fan community. Results across the three studies consistently found that integration and assimilation strategies positively predicted fan community identification, while separation and marginalization strategies negatively predicted fan community identification. Together, the results conceptually replicate and find evidence for the acculturation model.

In the present research, we examine what it means for fans to take their interests “too far” in a multi-fandom, qualitative study. Specifically, we asked self-identified anime fans, furries, and Star Wars fans to describe what, to them, marked the point where a fan could be said to be taking their interest too far. From these responses we extracted five common themes across fandoms: (1) when one’s fan interest negatively impacts their life, (2) when one’s fan interest becomes the sole or defining feature of their personality, (3) when one’s fan-related opinions are pushed on others, (4) when a fan loses touch with reality, and (5) when there is a connection between one’s fan interest and their sexual desire. We also note that anime fans cited a unique, sixth theme, when fans excessively worship Japanese culture. The responses suggest that excessive fan behavior may be ubiquitous across fandoms, although there may be idiosyncratic excesses characteristic of specific fandoms. We discuss these findings in the context of existing fan literature as well as their implications, both practical and for future research.

Furries can be described as a mediacentric fandom, similar to other fandoms, which organizes around an interest in anthropomorphic art. Past research has also aimed to highlight and understand the sexual motivations of furries, leading to questions regarding the relative strength of fandom and sexual motivations for joining and maintaining membership within the group. The goal of the present study was to test the relative contributions sex- and fandom-related motivations (e.g., social belonging) have in determining furry identity to provide better conceptualizations of this unique community for future research and education. In a sample of furries (n = 1,113), participants reported sexual attraction to facets of their interest and were found to be sexually motivated to engage in specific fan behaviors. However, a series of follow-up analyses revealed that non-sexual motivations were not only stronger in magnitude than sexual motivation was, but were also much more strongly correlated with furry identification.

In the present research we test the veracity of 36 stereotypes of otaku that have appeared in definitions and descriptions of otaku in various academic publications. We surveyed anime fans and examined differences between otaku and non-otaku fans, as well as gauge where fans fell on measures regarding each stereotype. Self-identified otaku tended to be young, male, single, and heterosexual. However, these were not necessarily distinguishing features of otaku. Otaku identified as nerds/geeks, spread information about their favorite anime by word-of-mouth, showed obsessive tendencies, rated high on immersion when consuming anime, and identified strongly with their favorite character. Contrary to the stereotypes, otaku had a comparable friendship network with non-otaku anime fans, perceived themselves as mature, and did not feel they were socially awkward around non-fans. Taken together, the result tended to paint a portrait of otaku as well-adjusted individuals who happen to have an intense interest in a particular fan object.

We examined whether intragroup helping mediates the relationship between identification with one’s fandom and self-esteem and psychological well-being in three different samples of fans: bronies (fans of the television series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic), anime fans (fans of Japanese animation and graphic novels), and furries (fans of anthropomorphic art and stories). Fans completed measures of ingroup identification, intragroup helping, and self-esteem (Studies 1 & 2) or psychological well-being (Study 3). Across all studies, the results tended to support intragroup helping as a mediator of the relationship between identification and self-esteem (Studies 1 & 2) and psychological well-being (Study 3). The results highlight a possible mechanism contributing to the benefits of belonging to fan groups and illustrate the possible benefits of helping others within one’s fan group.

In the U.S., it is well documented that many students enter universities unprepared. lacking the basic academic skills necessary for optimal, or even positive, outcomes. However, less evidence has been reported on this problem in Canada, and there appears to be a public impression that Canada's universities have higher standards, on average, than American universities. This perception is reflected in documents produced by the Ontario Government, but documents prepared by independent sources, such as Statistics Canada and the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), suggest otherwise. The present article adds to this independent literature, reporting on a new empirical measure based on a suite of questions assessing the basic academic skills necessary to meet the challenges of higher education. Seven sets of skills were identified, and through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, two forms of academic capital were identified, as were three clusters of students. Evidence for the validity of these measures was found in terms of hypothesized associations with student grades, satisfaction, and thoughts of dropping out. Demographic differences (e.g., family background, gender) were minimal. The results suggest that a majority of Ontario's university students are at risk of sub-optimal academic outcomes, including a sizeable minority that is likely dysfunctional in contexts in which using basic academic skills would be necessary to pass courses if it were not for grade inflation. These students report lower grades, greater dissatisfaction with the university experience, and more frequent thoughts of dropping out. Policy implications are discussed in terms of what governments, secondary schools, and universities might do to reduce skill deficiencies and the associated negative experiences with post-secondary education.

Global citizenship identification is associated with a variety of prosocial beliefs (e.g., social justice, valuing diversity) and behaviors (e.g., environmentally sustainable behaviors, intergroup helping). We report the results of 11 studies in which we attempted to shift participants’ degree of global citizenship identification (e.g., educational activities, subliminal priming, self-generated persuasion). None of the experimental manipulations reported worked to significantly increase identification compared to other conditions (e.g., control condition). Taken together, the results highlight the difficulty in manipulating global citizenship identification and the possibility of examining interventions that take place over a longer period of time.

In the present article we discuss three studies aimed at better understanding elitism in the context of fan groups. The studies assess different facets of elitism, predictors of elitism and the potential outcomes associated with holding elitist beliefs. The survey studies were conducted on members of three distinct fan groups: furries (fans of media featuring anthropomorphized animal characters), bronies (adult fans of the television seriesMy Little Pony) and anime fans (fans of Japanese animation). Elitism was found to include both self-inflation and other-derogation and is predicted by two components of fan identity (fanship and fandom). Elitism was also significantly associated with pro-gatekeeping attitudes and behaviours. Practical and theoretical implications for fan culture are discussed. We also discuss the limitations of the studies and their ability to contribute to a discussion about creating inclusive fan spaces.