International Anime Research Project
@anime-survey.bsky.social
The International Anime Research Team is a multidisciplinary team of scientists studying the anime/manga fandom (as well as other fandoms). https://sites.google.com/site/animeresearch
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(PDF) Transported to Another World: The Psychology of Anime Fans
PDF | Anime/manga (Japanese animation and comics) have been increasing in popularity worldwide for decades. But despite being a global phenomenon,... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on...
www.researchgate.net
We wrote a book! You can download it for free! www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined anime fans’ reasons (e.g., appearance) for choosing a waifu or husbando as predictors of their type of connection (emotional, sexual, love).
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
December 8, 2025 at 7:15 PM
In this paper we examined anime fans’ reasons (e.g., appearance) for choosing a waifu or husbando as predictors of their type of connection (emotional, sexual, love).
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
2025 Anime Survey is now open (30 min or less). It’ll be open until December 15, 2025. Please participate at: tamuc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
November 8, 2025 at 7:45 PM
2025 Anime Survey is now open (30 min or less). It’ll be open until December 15, 2025. Please participate at: tamuc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
We wrote a book! You can download it for free! www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Transported to Another World: The Psychology of Anime Fans
PDF | Anime/manga (Japanese animation and comics) have been increasing in popularity worldwide for decades. But despite being a global phenomenon,... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:20 PM
We wrote a book! You can download it for free! www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we surveyed students, furries, Star Wars, and anime fans to find men have a more positive view of transhumanism. Anime fans were relatively neutral compared to the other groups. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed": The influence of gender and in-group identification on transhumanist orientation
PDF | Transhumanism is a school of thought that promotes the enhancement of humanity through technological intervention (e.g., cloning, gene therapies,... | Find, read and cite all the research you ne...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:18 PM
In this paper we surveyed students, furries, Star Wars, and anime fans to find men have a more positive view of transhumanism. Anime fans were relatively neutral compared to the other groups. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we show that cosplayers’ (vs. non-cosplaying anime fans) fandom identification predicts well-being through frequency of event attendance. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Fandom Identification and In-Person Activities as Mediators of the Association Between Cosplay and Psychological Well-Being
PDF | Cosplay, a portmanteau of the words ‘costume’ and ‘roleplay’, involves fans dressing up and acting out fictional characters, usually at fan-themed... | Find, read and cite all the research you n...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:18 PM
In this paper we show that cosplayers’ (vs. non-cosplaying anime fans) fandom identification predicts well-being through frequency of event attendance. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we surveyed students, anime fans, and furries to find that friendships and attending fan events mediates the relationship between fandom identification and well-being. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Social Activities Mediate the Relation between Fandom Identification and Psychological Well-Being | Request PDF
Request PDF | Social Activities Mediate the Relation between Fandom Identification and Psychological Well-Being | Prior research demonstrates that a relationship exists between fan identification and ...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:17 PM
In this paper we surveyed students, anime fans, and furries to find that friendships and attending fan events mediates the relationship between fandom identification and well-being. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we asked anime, furry, and Star Wars fans to describe whether it is possible and when they thought fans went “too far.” We observed five themes of going too far across the three fandoms. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) "Bordering on Excess": Perceptions of Fan Obsession in Anime Fans, Furries, and Star Wars Fans
PDF | In the present research, we examine what it means for fans to take their interests "too far" in a multi-fandom, qualitative study. Specifically,... | Find, read and cite all the research you nee...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:16 PM
In this paper we asked anime, furry, and Star Wars fans to describe whether it is possible and when they thought fans went “too far.” We observed five themes of going too far across the three fandoms. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we surveyed undergraduate students in the Philippines (Study 1) and U.S. (Study 2) to test a mediation model with sex of participant predicting engagement with anime through identification with the fandom. The model was supported. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) A Brief Report on Sex Differences in Identification and Engagement with Anime
PDF | Prior research, predominantly focusing on Western fans, has found that the anime fandom is comprised of a majority of males (Reysen, Plante,... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:16 PM
In this paper we surveyed undergraduate students in the Philippines (Study 1) and U.S. (Study 2) to test a mediation model with sex of participant predicting engagement with anime through identification with the fandom. The model was supported. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we tested the veracity of 36 stereotypes of otaku. Many of the stereotypes were not fully supported. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Empirically Testing the Veracity of Otaku Stereotypes
PDF | In the present research we test the veracity of 36 stereotypes of otaku that have appeared in definitions and descriptions of otaku in various... | Find, read and cite all the research you need ...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:15 PM
In this paper we tested the veracity of 36 stereotypes of otaku. Many of the stereotypes were not fully supported. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we surveyed bronies, anime fans, and furries to find that helping other fans (intragroup helping) mediates the relationship between fandom identification and indicators of well-being. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Intragroup helping as a mediator of the association between fandom identification and self-esteem and well-being | Request PDF
Request PDF | Intragroup helping as a mediator of the association between fandom identification and self-esteem and well-being | We examined whether intragroup helping mediates the relationship betwee...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:14 PM
In this paper we surveyed bronies, anime fans, and furries to find that helping other fans (intragroup helping) mediates the relationship between fandom identification and indicators of well-being. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we surveyed furries, bronies, and anime fans to find two dimensions of fan elitism, and elitism predicted greater gatekeeping. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
‘Get out of my fandom newbie’: A cross-fandom study of elitism and gatekeeping in fans | Request PDF
Request PDF | ‘Get out of my fandom newbie’: A cross-fandom study of elitism and gatekeeping in fans | In the present article we discuss three studies aimed at better understanding elitism in the cont...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:13 PM
In this paper we surveyed furries, bronies, and anime fans to find two dimensions of fan elitism, and elitism predicted greater gatekeeping. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined hentai (vs. non-hentai) fans’ perceived discrimination, fandom identification, and positive prejudice toward subgroups in the anime fandom. Hentai (vs. non-hentai) fans were more accepting of subgroups. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Behind Closed Doors: Hentai Fans' Perceived Discrimination, Ingroup Identification, and Attitudes toward Subgroups in the Anime Fandom
PDF | Fan groups are communities which develop a shared identity around a specific topic or idea. Hentai fans identify as part of a group which... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on Re...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:13 PM
In this paper we examined hentai (vs. non-hentai) fans’ perceived discrimination, fandom identification, and positive prejudice toward subgroups in the anime fandom. Hentai (vs. non-hentai) fans were more accepting of subgroups. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined fans’ parasocial connection to a favorite character. The results largely mirror what is observed in other fan communities. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Sex Differences in Parasocial Connection to Favorite Anime Characters: A Multifactor Approach
PDF | In the present study, we explored the associations between dimensions of parasocial connection and sex differences in connection of anime fans'... | Find, read and cite all the research you need...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:12 PM
In this paper we examined fans’ parasocial connection to a favorite character. The results largely mirror what is observed in other fan communities. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined aspects of the anime fandom that may promote viewing the self as a global citizen. The content of anime, voice actors, and other fans predicted the model of global citizenship identification. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Anime and Global Citizenship Identification
PDF | In the present study, we examined the associations between sources of influence (anime content, anime creators, voice actors, other fans) within... | Find, read and cite all the research you nee...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:11 PM
In this paper we examined aspects of the anime fandom that may promote viewing the self as a global citizen. The content of anime, voice actors, and other fans predicted the model of global citizenship identification. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we find that cosplayers (vs. non-cosplayers) get involved in more fandom related drama. The association is mediated through frequency of engagement with others and need to belong. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Cosplayers' and Non-Cosplayers' Involvement in Fandom-Based Drama
PDF | We examined cosplaying and non-cosplaying anime fans' involvement in anime fandom drama, along with potential mediators underlying these... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on Res...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:11 PM
In this paper we find that cosplayers (vs. non-cosplayers) get involved in more fandom related drama. The association is mediated through frequency of engagement with others and need to belong. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we found that cosplayers (vs. non-cosplayers) reported better psychological well-being. This was mediated through disclosing one’s fan interest to others. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) "Coming out" as an Anime Fan: Cosplayers in the Anime Fandom, Fan Disclosure, and Well-Being
PDF | In the present study we tested the hypothesis that cosplayers experience greater well-being than non-cosplayers within the anime fandom in part... | Find, read and cite all the research you need...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:09 PM
In this paper we found that cosplayers (vs. non-cosplayers) reported better psychological well-being. This was mediated through disclosing one’s fan interest to others. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined cosplayers’ motivations to participate in the anime fandom. Cosplayers (vs. non-cosplayers) were higher on all motivations. There were only minor sex differences. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Motivations of Cosplayers to Participate in the Anime Fandom
PDF | We examined differences between cosplaying and non-cosplaying anime fans with regard to their motivation to participate in the anime fandom.... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on...
www.researchgate.net
November 11, 2024 at 9:09 PM
In this paper we examined cosplayers’ motivations to participate in the anime fandom. Cosplayers (vs. non-cosplayers) were higher on all motivations. There were only minor sex differences. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined the difference between perceived discrimination toward one’s group versus the self. Anime fans show similar pattern as other fan groups. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) "My Group Is Discriminated against, but I'm Not": Denial of Personal Discrimination in Furry, Brony, Anime, and General Interest Fan Groups
PDF | The authors examined perceived discrimination directed toward one's fan group and toward oneself in multiple groups of fans. Specifically,... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on R...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:08 PM
In this paper we examined the difference between perceived discrimination toward one’s group versus the self. Anime fans show similar pattern as other fan groups. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined the prevalence of mental and neurodevelopmental illnesses in three fandoms. Anime fans were lower than general population for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, but showed higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) A Brief Report on the Prevalence of Self-Reported Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Anime, Brony, and Furry Fandoms
PDF | We examined the prevalence rates of mental and neurodevelopmental illness among members of three different fandoms: anime, My Little Pony (brony),... | Find, read and cite all the research you n...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:08 PM
In this paper we examined the prevalence of mental and neurodevelopmental illnesses in three fandoms. Anime fans were lower than general population for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, but showed higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we compared anime fans who cosplay to those who don’t on the big five personality dimensions. There were differences. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) A Brief Report on Differences in Big Five Personality Dimensions between Anime Fan Cosplayers and Non-Cosplayers
PDF | We tested whether there exist differences in the personality traits of anime fans who cosplay as compared to non-cosplaying anime fans. With... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:07 PM
In this paper we compared anime fans who cosplay to those who don’t on the big five personality dimensions. There were differences. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined well-being of anime fans surveyed at a convention versus online. Anime fans at a convention reported greater well-being. The association is mediated both by face-to-face interaction and loneliness. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) “You had to be there”: Convention attendance and well-being in anime fans
PDF | We examined the differences between participants completing measures of well-being at an anime convention and participants completing the same... | Find, read and cite all the research you need ...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:06 PM
In this paper we examined well-being of anime fans surveyed at a convention versus online. Anime fans at a convention reported greater well-being. The association is mediated both by face-to-face interaction and loneliness. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined anime cosplayers’ actual, ideal, and ought self as predictors of identification with a character. Actual and ideal were significant predictors. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) "Who I want to Be": Self-Perception and Cosplayers' Identification with their Favorite Characters
PDF | We examined cosplayers' perceptions of their favorite character representing their actual, ideal, and ought self as predictors of identification... | Find, read and cite all the research you nee...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:06 PM
In this paper we examined anime cosplayers’ actual, ideal, and ought self as predictors of identification with a character. Actual and ideal were significant predictors. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined the association between perceived maturity and willingness to date fans of different interests. anime fans were perceived as slightly immature and people didn’t want to date them (but higher than some other fan groups). www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Fans, Perceived Maturity, and Willingness to Form a Romantic Relationship: Application of a Short Maturity Measure
PDF | In the present research we examine the association between perceived maturity of a group and willingness to form a romantic relationship with a... | Find, read and cite all the research you need...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:05 PM
In this paper we examined the association between perceived maturity and willingness to date fans of different interests. anime fans were perceived as slightly immature and people didn’t want to date them (but higher than some other fan groups). www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this paper we examined how anime, furry, and fantasy sport fans discovered the fandom and how express identity. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Routes to Fandom Discovery and Expression of Fan Identity in Furry, Anime, and Fantasy Sport Fans
PDF | In the present study, we examined routes to fandom membership and expressions of fan identity in members of the furry, anime, and fantasy sport... | Find, read and cite all the research you need...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:04 PM
In this paper we examined how anime, furry, and fantasy sport fans discovered the fandom and how express identity. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
In this study we explored the association between anime genre preferences and endorsement of paranormal beliefs. www.researchgate.net/publication/...
(PDF) Anime Genre Preferences and Paranormal Beliefs
PDF | We examined the extent to which anime fans believe in paranormal phenomena and whether these beliefs are associated with preferences for specific... | Find, read and cite all the research you ne...
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November 11, 2024 at 9:04 PM
In this study we explored the association between anime genre preferences and endorsement of paranormal beliefs. www.researchgate.net/publication/...