My better half? Predicting self-esteem using appraisals of oneself, real others, and fictional characters

In what ways do perceptions of fictional characters supplement and differ from perceptions of real people in the context of self-esteem? The present study investigates differences between appraisals of the self, favorite fictional characters, and close real others, and the relationship between these appraisals and self-esteem. Participants (N = 265) rated themselves and their chosen real and fictional targets on likable and unlikable traits, then completed a measure of self-esteem. Appraisals of self and close real others were more favorable than appraisals of favorite fictional characters. Self-esteem was more strongly associated with self-appraisals than with appraisals of non-self targets. Differences between unlikable self and real other appraisals interacted with unlikable self and character appraisal differences in predicting self-esteem: Less unlikable appraisals of close real others compared to self-appraisals were predictive of lower self-esteem. Results suggest that fictional characters offer opportunities for self-enhancement not always afforded by real others.