July is Comic-Con month!  These events are held all over the world, and the most well- known is San Diego Comic-Con, which holds its annual 4-day extravaganza for comics and pop culture at the end of this month.  The immense popularity of the event speaks to the impact of fandom.

What is fandom?  Fandom refers to a community of people who are passionate about something, whether it’s a film, a video game, a band, a TV show, a book, or a sports team.  And being part of one is not only enjoyable but can also benefit your mental health!  Here’s how:

Anticipation – Looking forward to stuff — be it a movie sequel or a big game — is a big part of the fan experience. Some research suggests that anticipating positive events can give us an emotional boost and help us cope with stress, long before and after the actual event takes place!

Community– Fandoms can foster camaraderie that makes fans feel like a part of something larger them themselves.  The shared language, rituals, and symbols associated with a fandom often brings social validation.  Psychology research has shown that belongingness, having shared interests and connections with others can boost our self-esteem, well-being and happiness. 

Coping –  Fandom can help us learn to cope during times hard times and transition, especially when the change includes loss (death, divorce, etc.) or significant life changes.  Watching our favorite characters as they cope with challenges can be a way to learn problem-solving skills and understand our feelings, thereby making these transitions smoother.  Listening to our favorite bands or cheering on our team can also provide a welcomed respite from the stresses of everyday life.

So openly embrace your fandom(s) and enjoy its benefits to your mental health!