Psychologist and novelist, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, discusses the psychology of fandom, writing bestsellers, and the intersection of psychology and fiction. She explores why we're drawn to fictional worlds, how analyzing one's work shapes writing style, and children's preferences for real vs. fantasy stories.
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Quick takeaways
Fictional worlds offer a unique exploration of human minds and relationships.
Fandom reveals attachment tendencies and creativity in engaging with characters.
Deep dives
The Fascination with Fictional Worlds
Humans are drawn to fictional worlds present in novels, TV shows, and movies, sparking the curiosity of researchers. The allure lies in the ability to immerse oneself in fictitious characters and their experiences, a unique exploration of human minds and relationships. Dr. Barnes, a psychologist and novelist, delves into the dual appeal of writing and psychology, highlighting the shared interest in understanding people. Through her research, she unearths the underlying fascination with fictional narratives and their impact on social cognition.
The Psychology Behind Fandom
Dr. Barnes delves into the psychology of fandom, examining the intricate relationships fans form with fictional characters. Fans cultivate a strong emotional investment in characters, leading to parasocial relationships and resistance to authorial authority. A key aspect is the emotional and temporal expansiveness of stories, with love stories playing a pivotal role in fostering fan engagement. The psychology of fandom presents a rich landscape for exploring individual tendencies towards attachment and creativity.
Exploring Fandom Activities
Fandom extends beyond passive consumption to active engagement in activities like writing fan fiction, cosplaying, and organizing theme parties. Dr. Barnes analyzes the multifaceted nature of fandom interactions, such as co-authoring stories by filling narrative gaps and challenging authorial decisions. The incorporation of emotional and cognitive elements in fan activities underscores the significance of character attachment and narrative exploration.
Unraveling Psychological Aspects of Story Preferences
Dr. Barnes highlights the underexplored realm of the psychology of story preferences, presenting a synthesis of theories that drive narrative engagement. The convergence of various theories, including gossip, pleasure, theory of mind, and morality, contributes to the complex appeal of stories. Understanding the multifaceted nature of story preferences could provide insights into the dynamic interplay between individual psychology and narrative storytelling.
From getting lost in a novel to binge-watching a favorite TV show, we humans spend a lot of time in fictional worlds. Jennifer Lynn Barnes, PhD, a psychologist and novelist, talks about why we’re drawn to fictional worlds; the psychology of fandom and fan fiction; and how insights from psychology helped her write her best-selling series “The Inheritance Games.”