Abstract
This article introduces an explication of video game players' identification with a game character or role that is based on social-psychological models of self-perception. Contrasting with conventional ("dyadic" ) notions of media user-character relationships (e.g., parasocial interaction or affective disposition theory), ("monadic" ) video game identification is defined as a temporal shift of players' self-perception through adoption of valued properties of the game character. Implications for media enjoyment, the measurement of identification, and media effects are discussed. © 2009 International Communication Association.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 351-373 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | Communication Theory |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |