Transporting, identifying and expanding: Superheroes in series television and film

For many years, individuals have been intrigued by superheroes, more recently in film and television where it has become prevalent in today’s society. This study explores how identifying with superheroes in television shows and film may help viewers improve their self-esteem and well-being. This analysis used three theories to explore the relationship between individual fans and these superhero narratives: transportation, where one is transported through narrative to a different reality; identification, where viewers identify with specific characters; and TEBOTS (temporarily expanding boundaries of the self), where media viewers experience temporary relief from everyday life while they are engaged in a narrative. This study interviewed fifteen participants to gain a deeper understanding of how empowered feelings might translate into the physical world.