Harry Potter Fanship and Identity Development

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between fanship with the Harry Potter series and identity development. Identity development was measured using James Marcia’s identity statuses. An analysis of the Harry Potter series was conducted, investigating the identity development of major characters in the series. This analysis served as a basis for a measure of character identification. A pilot study confirmed that there were two types of elements from the Harry Potter series that a fan can endorse as part of their identity. Thematic elements reflect themes from the Harry Potter series, such as love, friendship, and self-sacrifice, while Fantastical elements reflect personal fantasies and wish fulfillments related to the Harry Potter series, such as wanting to go to Hogwarts or owning excessive merchandise. Participants’ identity status was not a predictor of identification with character of the same status. An exception was that Diffused participants were less likely to identify with Diffused characters. Fanship mediated the relationship between Moratorium scores and the endorsement of both Thematic and Fantastical elements. Achieved participants were more likely to endorse Fantastical elements, while Moratorium participants were more likely to endorse Thematic items. This was the opposite trend of the one stated in the hypotheses. A non-diverse sample and weaknesses in the EOMEIS and WWIM measures could explain why there was no relationship between identity status and identification with characters of the same status. Future research can investigate other psychological factors that play a role in identification with fictional characters.