Speaking of Psychology: The Psychology of Fiction and Fandom

Introduction

• Host: Kim Mills
• Guest: Dr. Jennifer Lynn Barnes, novelist and psychologist
• Topics covered: Why humans are drawn to fiction, how fiction affects us, and the psychology behind fandom.

Dr. Jennifer Lynn Barnes

• Background: Novelist and psychologist
  • Published first novel at 19
  • Author of over 20 young adult novels, including The Inheritance Games series
  • Holds a PhD in Psychology from Yale
  • Former professor at University of Oklahoma
• Focus: Psychology of fiction, why people love stories, and fiction's impact on social cognition

The Allure of Fiction

• Fiction allows deep exploration of characters’ minds and relationships, similar to psychology.
• Fiction satisfies an interest in people and how they work, which parallels psychological research.

Balancing Careers

• Began writing novels in high school
• Continued writing and studying psychology through college and beyond
• Held a unique academic position allowing focus on both psychology and fiction at the University of Oklahoma

Why Humans Are Drawn to Fiction

• Various theories in psychology and other fields try to explain this phenomenon:
  • Gossip Theory: Fiction as a form of gossip about make-believe people that feels real.
  • Theory of Mind: Fiction helps us understand mental states and emotions of others.
  • Pleasure Theory: Fiction is like cheesecake; it's filled with pleasurable elements that our brains are hardwired to enjoy.

Application in Writing

• Dr. Barnes applies psychological theories to her writing to enhance appeal:
  • Ensures stories pass the "gossip test"
  • Incorporates elements of theory of mind
  • Contains pleasurable elements like wealth, beauty, and power

Research on Children's Preferences

• Dissertation work showed younger children prefer real stories over made-up ones, but this preference shifts as they age.
• Younger children showed a reality bias that decreases with age.

Fandom and Fan Communities

• Defined as communities where fans identify closely with a story or character.
• Fandom involves emotional investment and may involve fan activities like writing fan fiction or engaging in cosplay.
• Psychological traits influencing fandom:
  • Emotional investment in characters
  • Resistance to authorial authority, leading to creating their versions of stories

Encouraging Fandom in Writing

• Dr. Barnes uses specific strategies to enable fandom interaction, such as leaving gaps for readers to fill in.
• Looks at popular fan fiction shows to identify common elements, like love stories and procedural elements.

Future Research in Psychology of Fiction

• Suggests more research into what makes stories appealing and the psychology behind fandom.
• Highlights potential in studying how fictional engagement affects moral perspectives or daydream tendencies.

Conclusion

• Dr. Barnes stresses the importance of integrating psychological insights into writing.
• Leaves academia to focus on writing full-time, but continues to be interested in psychological aspects of fiction.
• Encourages further exploration in the psychology of fiction and its implications.

Additional Resources

• Listeners encouraged to explore more about the psychology of fiction and listen to other episodes of "Speaking of Psychology."