Stephen Reysen | Texas A&M University - Commerce (original) (raw)

Papers by Stephen Reysen

Journal of Digital Social Research, 2024

Transhumanism is a school of thought that promotes the enhancement of humanity through technologi... more 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 sciencefiction 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.

The Journal of Social Psychology, 2024

Research suggests that people at the interface of two different cultures may face a dilemma regar... more 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.

Psychology of Popular Media, 2024

The Star Wars sequel trilogy stirred up controversy in the Star Wars fanbase as racist and sexist... more The Star Wars sequel trilogy stirred up controversy in the Star Wars fanbase as racist and sexist comments regarding the new characters plagued forums and discussion boards. Critics of the new cast insisted that the new, diverse characters were poorly written or bland, while their detractors accused their criticism of being motivated by sexist and racist attitudes. In the present study, we assess whether fans' sexist and racist attitudes are associated with their preference for the new characters relative to previous characters. Self-identified Star Wars fans completed an online survey assessing the extent to which they hold sexist and racist attitudes, as well as their liking of newer, more diverse, characters (i.e., Finn, Rey, Rose Tico) and older, White, and man-led characters (i.e., Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Padme Amidala). The results support the hypothesis, showing that both hostile sexism and symbolic racism are negatively associated with liking the new characters. The results highlight how one's prejudices can extend beyond the screen and impact their attitudes toward fictional characters in the media they consume.

Leisure Sciences, 2024

Prior research demonstrates that a relationship exists between fan identification and psychologic... more 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.

Journal of Fandom Studies, 2024

Cosplay, a portmanteau of the words ‘costume’ and ‘roleplay’, involves fans dressing up and actin... more 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.

The Journal of Sex Research, 2024

Furries can be described as a mediacentric fandom, similar to other fandoms, which organizes arou... more 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.

Psychology of Popular Media, 2024

In the present article, we discuss the results of a cross-sectional study assessing prejudice tow... more In the present article, we discuss the results of a cross-sectional study assessing prejudice toward fans perceived as having nonprototypical interests. Drawing upon previous research on prototypicality, on the role of negative affect and beliefs in fostering prejudice, and on prejudice directed toward particular fan cultures, we developed and tested a serial mediation model. The model proposes that feelings of disgust and discomfort, along with negative beliefs about fans’ ulterior motives and dysfunctionality, mediate the link between a fan culture’s perceived nonprototypicality and prejudice toward members of that group. A sample of 290 undergraduates completed measures of each of these variables with respect to 40 different fan cultures. The results support our hypotheses and provide evidence for the proposed serial mediation model. We conclude by discussing the limitations of the study, as well as its practical and theoretical implications for research on fans and prejudice more generally.

Deviant Behavior, 2024

This paper documents a case study of how academics can use traditional research and non-tradition... more 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.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

We begin this chapter with a short introduction to well-being and how to measure it. Next, we com... more We begin this chapter with a short introduction to well-being and how to measure it. Next, we compare furries to other groups on measures of well-being. Finally, we discuss the prevalence of mental illness in furries and how it stacks up against other fandoms before briefly considering some of the variables that help us predict which furries tend to score highest on measures of well-being.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). The kids are alright: Furry well-being and mental health. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 683-704). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In this chapter, we focus our attention on what it means for furries to be stigmatized. We begin ... more In this chapter, we focus our attention on what it means for furries to be stigmatized. We begin by laying out evidence—beyond anecdotes from headlines and violent rhetoric from online forums—showing that furries are stigmatized and recognize this stigma. Next, we describe research showing some of the reasons why furries are stigmatized as well as the consequences of this stigma for furries, including research showing that furries experience a significant amount of bullying. Finally, we discuss three ways that furries cope with this stigma—selective disclosure, denial of personal discrimination, and identification with the stigmatized group.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). Haters gonna hate: Furry stigma. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 657-681). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

To understand what drives furries, in the present chapter, we first examine what leads furries to... more To understand what drives furries, in the present chapter, we first examine what leads furries to the furry fandom. Next, we discuss some of the ways psychologists study motivation, with an emphasis on fan studies, and see how we’ve been able to apply some of these concepts to the furry fandom. We then finish up the chapter by talking about furries’ values, a related concept that can also help us to understand what might motivate furries.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). Purring motors: Fan drive and motivation. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 607-635). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In this chapter, we put on our personality psychologist hats and look at individual differences: ... more In this chapter, we put on our personality psychologist hats and look at individual differences: what is it that makes one person different from another, that makes them react differently from another person in the same situation?

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). From all walks: Individual differences. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 571-606). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In the present chapter, we start with a brief overview of some of the different media genres that... more In the present chapter, we start with a brief overview of some of the different media genres that furries prefer. Next, we delve into some of the more unique aspects or idiosyncrasies of specific subgroups in the furry fandom to see how belonging to one subgroup or another might say a bit about who furries are. Lastly, we briefly talk about hierarchies and the perceived status of different subgroups within the furry fandom.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). Fuzzy lines: Subgroups and furry-adjacent groups. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 285-316). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In the present chapter, we dive into some research to better understand both what furries consume... more In the present chapter, we dive into some research to better understand both what furries consume (and how much of it they consume relative to other fan groups) and what predicts their fan-related consumption habits. First, we review the various fan activities that furries engage in—including consuming fan-related artifacts—to see how much particular types of consumption make up the bulk of furries’ engagement with their interest in media featuring anthropomorphic characters. Next, we look at where furries seek out content and interaction with other furries in online spaces and how this is related to their felt connection to the furry fandom—do the same furries who go online to view furry content also go online to interact with other furries, or do they pursue furry as a solitary activity? This is followed by a look at what types of furry media furries tend to prefer. We then observe spending behaviors, looking at furry engagement in terms of actual dollars and cents, for those who are curious about the business of furry fanship. Lastly, we flip the script and look at furries not just as consumers of furry-themed content, but also as producers of it.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). Makin’ stuff, takin’ stuff: Furry content. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 231-258). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In the present chapter, we delve into the implications of a social identity approach for studying... more In the present chapter, we delve into the implications of a social identity approach for studying fans. Next, we make an important theoretical distinction by splitting the concept of fan identity into two parts, fanship, and fandom. Lastly, we illustrate the importance of thinking about fanship and fandom as separate facets of fan identity by showing how they differently predict important beliefs and behaviors for the furries in our studies.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). Being furry: Fanship versus fandom. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 131-155). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In the present chapter we review the history of the formation of the international anthropomorphi... more In the present chapter we review the history of the formation of the international anthropomorphic research project.

Gerbasi, K., Plante, C. N., Roberts, S., Reysen, S., & Fein, E. (2023). Furtuity: The story of furscience. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 19-38). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

Journal of Cognition and Culture, 2023

Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site that has challenged much prior thought on human history wi... more Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site that has challenged much prior thought on human history with respect to our Neolithic revolution from animistic, egalitarian, hunter-gatherers to settled, socially stratified, and religious peoples. In the present paper we review the structures and possible purposes of Göbekli Tepe, summarize past considerations of the connection between psychological concepts and matters found thereat, and then introduce social identity theory as an apt theoretical perspective from which to best understand the peoples who constructed and utilized the site. Throughout we show that social-cognitive processes and concepts have merit in interpreting the advent and utility of Göbekli Tepe, suggesting then a greater use for psychology within the framework of cognitive archaeology.

Sexuality & Culture , 2023

Dating app users are likely to experience a high frequency of viewing the sexually explicit mater... more Dating app users are likely to experience a high frequency of viewing the sexually explicit material of potential partners prior to a physical meeting. The present study aimed to investigate what information is inferred from a picture of a penis at zero-acquaintance. Past research in impression formation at zero-acquaintance has demonstrated a stability with regard to personality and trait perceptions of faces. Utilizing 106 participants, our study extends this paradigm by testing the hypothesis that penis prototypicality would be associated with attractiveness, as well as explore the personality and sexual perceptions of penises along the dimensions of girth, length, and amount of pubic hair. The hypotheses were confirmed and the analysis of penis dimensions revealed strong results. Penises which were wider, longer, and moderately hairy were perceived more positively in terms of personality and sexual appeal. Shorter and narrower penises were perceived as more neurotic. The results demonstrate the function of impression formation within the digital sexual landscape with regard to sexually explicit material.

The Phoenix Papers, 2022

Prior research, predominantly focusing on Western fans, has found that the anime fandom is compri... more Prior research, predominantly focusing on Western fans, has found that the anime fandom is comprised of a majority of males (Reysen, Plante, Roberts, Gerbasi, Mohebpour, & Gamboa, 2016). In the present research we assessed whether this tendency held true in a Filipino and US samples. Specifically, Filipino and US college students completed measures of engagement with anime content and identification with the anime fandom. Converging with prior research, the results showed that males were more engaged with anime (i.e., watching anime, reading manga, reading news, talking with others about anime) and showed higher identification with the anime fandom than females in both samples. Mediation analyses showed that identification with the fandom mediated the relationship between participant sex and engagement with anime. Together, the results highlight the importance of fandom identification to predict engagement with fandom content and the expanding evidence of gender disparity within the fandom in both the Philippines and the US.

The Phoenix Papers, 2022

In the present research, we examine what it means for fans to take their interests “too far” in a... more 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.

Journal of Digital Social Research, 2024

The Journal of Social Psychology, 2024

Psychology of Popular Media, 2024

Leisure Sciences, 2024

Journal of Fandom Studies, 2024

The Journal of Sex Research, 2024

Psychology of Popular Media, 2024

Deviant Behavior, 2024

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

Journal of Cognition and Culture, 2023

Sexuality & Culture , 2023

The Phoenix Papers, 2022

Ever wonder what makes furries tick? Those weird and wonderful folks with their colorful ears, pa... more Ever wonder what makes furries tick? Those weird and wonderful folks with their colorful ears, paws, and tails? The people who draw comics, watch cartoons, and write stories about walking, talking animals?

Yeah, what’s that all about?

Join the Furscience team as we take you on a journey through more than a decade worth of data on the furry fandom. Learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. Dig into the myths that surround this misunderstood community and let the data do the talking. Whether you’re new to the community or a greymuzzle yourself, know a friend or family member who’s a furry, or simply curious about one of the most interesting fandoms on the planet, you’re sure to learn something new!

Because it’s not just science—it’s Furscience!

This book explores the impact of globalization on self and identity from multidisciplinary perspe... more This book explores the impact of globalization on self and identity from multidisciplinary perspectives. Chapters cover a variety of topics including the impact of cultural inertia on intergroup relations, global consumer identity, radicalization, evolving national identities, young people’s negotiations of different cultural identities, the emergence of all inclusive global identities, and the impact of global citizenship education on global identity. This collection will be of value to scholars and students from across the social sciences.

Researchers across disciplines have been studying the psychology of fans for decades. Seeking to ... more Researchers across disciplines have been studying the psychology of fans for decades. Seeking to better understand fan behavior and the various factors motivating fans, researchers have studied dozens of variables in hundreds of studies of different fan groups. To date, however, there have been relatively few attempts to integrate this sizable body of work, pulling together findings across from the field to with a broader, more holistic perspective. This book does exactly that, identifying and concisely summarizing research on 28 separate lines of inquiry on the psychology of fans and integrating it all into an empirically-validated model known as the CAPE model. Useful as a textbook for a fandom studies course and as a handbook for fan researchers, this book is essential reading for anyone looking to better understand the state of fan psychology and wanting to conduct their own research exploring the ins and outs of fans of all sorts!

Anime/manga (Japanese animation and comics) have been increasing in popularity worldwide for deca... more Anime/manga (Japanese animation and comics) have been increasing in popularity worldwide for decades. But despite being a global phenomenon, there’s been surprisingly little psychological research formally studying its devoted fanbase. In this book we aim to do just that with an overview of nearly a decade of research by fan psychologists. Otaku and cosplayers, genre preferences, hentai, parasocial connections, motivation, personality, fanship and fandom, stigma, and well-being – this book looks at all of these topics through a psychological lens. Many of these findings are being presented for the first time, without the jargon and messy statistical analyses, but in plain language so it’s accessible to all readers – fans and curious observers alike!

McFarland and Company, 2019

In 2010, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic premiered on television. A large, avid fandom soon e... more In 2010, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic premiered on television. A large, avid fandom soon emerged—not the pre-teen female demographic earlier versions of the franchise had been created for, but a roughly 80 percent male audience, most of them age 14–24. With this came questions about the nature of the audience who would come to call themselves “bronies.” Brony Studies was born. Approaching the fandom from a perspective of clinical, social, and experimental psychology, this study presents eight years of research, written for academics and fans alike. An understanding of the brony fan culture has broader application for other fan communities as well.

In The Psychology of Global Citizenship: A Review of Theory and Research, Stephen Reysen and Iva ... more In The Psychology of Global Citizenship: A Review of Theory and Research, Stephen Reysen and Iva Katzarska-Miller provide a theoretical and empirical overview of global citizenship and related concepts. The authors highlight core components shared by a variety of disciplines and cultures and linked to pro-social values, such as the promotion of empathy, diversity, environmental sustainability, and intergroup helping. Utilizing a social psychological perspective, Reysen and Katzarska-Miller provide an integrated approach to global citizenship identification with their model of antecedents (global awareness and normative environment) and outcomes (six clusters of pro-social values).

The International Anthropomorphic Research Project is a group of social scientists conducting res... more The International Anthropomorphic Research Project is a group of social scientists conducting research to gain a better understanding of the furry fandom. In the present book we present the main findings from a variety of studies, including more than 10,000 furry participants, over the past five years. The book seeks to answer questions often asked about furries, such as what is a furry? Do furries really think they’re animals? Is it true that all furries where fursuits? Whether you’ve never heard of furries before or you’ve been a furry for decades, you’re sure to learn something from this book.

In the last 50 years, measures of religious constructs have been the subject of much scientific a... more In the last 50 years, measures of religious constructs have been the subject of much scientific attention. Cross-cultural considerations necessitate that empirical claims on assessments about religion are validated by local data. While religion is typically viewed in terms of spirituality and religiosity, recent empirical studies indicate a shift in the interpretation of these dimensions in a more diffused and relaxed appreciation. Building up from these developments, in the present research, we develop and test the structure and reliability of a scale to assess students' attitudes towards religion. Using a sample (n = 2733) of college students from two provincial universities in the Philippines, we employed data reduction techniques to understand the underlying factor structure. The results showed a three-factor measure of attitudes towards religion.

Proceedings of the ACM Web Conference, 2023

The internet is often thought of as a democratizer, enabling equality in aspects such as pay, as ... more The internet is often thought of as a democratizer, enabling equality in aspects such as pay, as well as a tool introducing novel communication and monetization opportunities. In this study we examine athletes on Cameo, a website that enables bi-directional fancelebrity interactions, questioning whether the well-documented gender pay gaps in sports persist in this digital setting. Traditional studies into gender pay gaps in sports are mostly in a centralized setting where an organization decides the pay for the players, while Cameo facilitates grassroots fan engagement where fans pay for video messages from their preferred athletes. The results showed that even on such a platform gender pay gaps persist, both in terms of cost-per-message, and in the number of requests, proxied by number of ratings. For instance, we find that female athletes have a median pay of 30$ per-video, while the same statistic is 40$ for men. The results also contribute to the study of parasocial relationships and personalized fan engagements over a distance. Something that has become more relevant during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, where in-person fan engagement has often been limited.