Defining Identification: A Theoretical Look at the Identification of Audiences With Media Characters

TLDR

Identification with media characters is widely discussed but lacks careful conceptualization and empirical testing. The study aims to define identification with media characters, distinguish it from other audience reactions, critique existing research, and propose hypotheses about its antecedents and consequences. The authors provide a theoretical framework, defining identification, critiquing prior research, and generating hypotheses about its antecedents and consequences. The study emphasizes the importance of a theory of identification for media and communication research.

Abstract

Abstract In this article I argue that although the notion of identification with media characters is widely discussed in media research, it has not been carefully conceptualized or rigorously tested in empirical audience studies. This study presents a theoretical discussion of identification, including a definition of identification and a discussion of the consequences of identification with media characters for the development of identity and socialization processes. It is suggested that a useful distinction can be made between identification and other types of reactions that media audiences have to media characters. A critical look at media research involving identification exposes the inherent conceptual problems in this research and leads to hypotheses regarding the antecedents and consequences of identification with media characters. The importance of a theory of identification to media research and communication research, more broadly, is presented.