Examining self-determination theory in media fandom: a cross-sectional study

Consistent with self-determination theory, research suggests that fandom participation may satisfy basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. However, the generalizability of these findings and the role of need frustration (i.e. active experiences of need thwarting) remain unclear. This preregistered cross-sectional study aimed to examine whether the satisfaction and frustration of psychological needs in a fandom community are associated with well-being. Participants (n = 340) were from the furry fandom, a lesser-known community focused on anthropomorphic characters, recruited during conventions in the United States, Canada, and Poland, as well as online. Although the factor structure of psychological needs did not fully correspond to the theoretical model, most participants endorsed some degree of need satisfaction in the fandom. The frustration of competence needs was less common but was associated with poorer well-being. The results provide support for the role of psychological needs in explaining fandom participation.