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.
Doyle et al. (Sat,) studied this question.