JOURNAL ARTICLE

Study Data from University of Oregon Update Understanding of Psychology of Popular Media (Rating Heroes, Antiheroes, and Villains: Machiavellianism, Grandiose Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Sadism Predict Admiration for and Perceived Similarity...).

  • Published In: Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, 2025. P. 544 1 of 2

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

A recent study from the University of Oregon explores how personality traits such as Machiavellianism, grandiose narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism predict admiration for and perceived similarity to heroes, antiheroes, and villains in popular media. The research, involving 473 participants, found that these traits were positively associated with admiration for and similarity to antiheroes and villains, with psychopathy and sadism showing the strongest results. The study suggests that antagonistic personality traits correspond to audience perceptions of morally problematic characters in fictional narratives. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. 2025/01, p544
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1944-2718
  • Accession Number:181860538
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