Stephen Reysen

Texas A&M University - Commerce, Department of Psychology and Special Education, Faculty Member

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Address: Commerce, Texas, United States

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Papers by Stephen Reysen

Together at the final frontier: Interest in space influences global citizenship identity

Studies in Popular Culture, 2024

While psychologists have long held an interest in examining those with a belief in unidentified f... more While psychologists have long held an interest in examining those with a belief in unidentified flying objects (UFOs) many of these studies were initially weighted toward a focus on extraterrestrial abduction and other matters reflecting negatively on the community. However, with the current popularity of UFO and space related media content, later research has not surprisingly noted a lack of evidence concerning maladaptive traits in most individuals expressing an interest in these phenomena. We sought to examine not why individuals held their interests in UFOs, but how that interest may offer benefits using a model of global citizenship identity. In Study 1 we examined enthusiasts, collected both online and at the Roswell, New Mexico UFO Festival on measures tied to their group interests as model predictors. The results of Study 1 showed that while interest in space exploration and exposure to related media indirectly predicted all antecedents and outcomes, the search for extraterrestrials and community membership did not. To expand on these findings in a more general group, in Study 2 undergraduate college students’ interest in space was found to predict the model of antecedents and outcomes. The results offer insight into how UFO interest, and the possibilities that come with it, may shape how individuals see themselves in a more interconnected world.

Loyal cats and lazy wolves: Recall for stereotype consistent and inconsistent identities in members of a fan group

Journal of Cognition and Culture, 2026

Furries are fans of media featuring anthropomorphized animal characters. As part of this interest... more Furries are fans of media featuring anthropomorphized animal characters. As part of this interest, most furries construct a fursona – an anthropomorphized animal representation of themselves. Many of the species commonly chosen by fans for their fursonas have stereotypes associated with them. Based on prior research, we hypothesized that furry participants shown profiles of hypothetical furries would be more likely to remember details of profiles with species stereotype-consistent information as compared to those with species stereotype-inconsistent information. Participants showed better memory for profiles whose personality matched (vs. mismatched) the stereotypes associated with their fursona species. We discuss these results in the context of prior research – both on the furry fandom specifically and on the role of schemas in memory more generally.

Theory of planned behavior and intention to donate to animal charity in the furry fandom

Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 2026

Animal charities are essential in the fight for animal welfare, but predicting who will donate to... more Animal charities are essential in the fight for animal welfare, but predicting who will donate to these organizations is often a challenge. In the present study, we utilize a modified version of the theory of planned behavior which also considers past behavior and felt solidarity with animals to predict when prospective donors are most likely to donate to animal charities. We tested this model on a sample of furries – a fan community centered around media featuring anthropomorphized animal characters – and college students to predict their likelihood of giving to animal charities. Results revealed that people with a prior history of donating, feelings that they are capable of donating, outward pressure from others to donate, and connectedness with animals are more likely to donate to animal charities. Knowing these variables, we point to future directions animal charities can take to bolster funding for their projects.

Power, transhumanism, and gender differences in preference for isekai anime

Exploring isekai: Mapping worlds through anime, manga, and light novels, 2026

Isekai Japanese anime typically depict a main character transported to another world, often after... more Isekai Japanese anime typically depict a main character transported to another world, often after death, resonating with the viewer’s existential concerns about whether there is life after death. Terror management theory—a social psychological theory—posits that humans are unique in being aware of their own mortality and that this awareness causes existential terror or anxiety that people are motivated to mitigate by, among other things, bolstering their worldview. For example, people may seek power to avoid the circumstances of an untimely death, or they endorse a belief in life after death to reduce the terror of death’s inevitability. This chapter describes a study of anime fans who completed measures of their need for power, their endorsement of extending one’s life with technology (i.e., transhumanism), and their preference for isekai anime. The results revealed that men showed a greater preference for isekai anime than women. Using a serial mediation model found this difference might be accounted for, at least in part, by differences in male and female need for power, plus interest in transhumanism. Men showed a stronger motivation to obtain power, which, in turn, was associated with a greater endorsement of transhumanism, all of which predicted a higher preference for isekai anime. Given that both a desire for power and endorsement of literal immortality (through transhumanism) are strategies for existential terror management, the results hint at the possibility that one function of viewing isekai may be to alleviate one’s own existential fears.

Lone star nationalism: Texan identity, negative attitudes about globalization, and concern about illegal immigration predict Texit support

Journal of Globalization Studies, 2025

In the context of deglobalization in the 21st century, there has been a unique rise in secessioni... more In the context of deglobalization in the 21st century, there has been a unique rise in secessionist and independent movements across the globe. Even in the United States, secessionist sentiments are brewing, as many Americans feel that their state should leave the Union; especially in Texas. Texit (Texas-Exit) is a political project promoted by the Texas Nationalist Movement, which is aimed to establish the Second Republic of Texas to escape American decline. To understand the predictors of voting to leave the United States, Texans (N = 1076) completed a survey which measured their identities and political orientations in addition to a mock Texit referendum vote to either ‘Leave’ or ‘Remain’ in the U.S. The findings indicated that Texan identity, negative attitudes about globalization, and concern about illegal immigration positively predicted a ‘Leave’ vote, while identification as a Democrat, U.S. Citizen, and Global Citizens predicted a ‘Remain’ vote. The results of the research are framed in relation to claustropolitanism and the desire for stability and safety in a violently changing world.

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Prototypicality and Perception: Women's Views on Vulvar Appearance and Personality

Journal of Psychosexual Health, 2025

Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) has become increasingly sought after for achieving idealiz... more Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) has become increasingly sought after for achieving idealized genital appearances. Prototypical vulvar expectations driven by cultural norms significantly impact women's body image and motivations for undergoing FGCS. This study explored how visual characteristics of vulvas, such as labia size and pubic hair, influence perceptions of attractiveness, sexual behavior, and personality traits based on zero-acquaintance assessments. Participants evaluated images of vulvas varying in visible anatomical features. The researchers investigated the associations between perceived genital prototypicality, personality attributes, and sexual perceptions. Prototypical vulvas, aligning with cultural aesthetics, were rated as more attractive and linked to positive personality traits. Visible anatomical variations, such as longer labia minora or untrimmed pubic hair, led to more negative perceptions and associations with increased sexual openness. The findings demonstrated how societal standards shape perceptions of female genitalia, exacerbating body image issues, and influencing decisions to undergo FGCS. The need for broader cultural acceptance of natural anatomical diversity is necessary to reduce the stigma and psychological impact associated with non-conforming genital appearances.

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The Development and Validation of the Stewardship Measure from the Philippines: Religious and Cultural Considerations

Journal of Empirical Theology, 2025

The present study examines the latent dimensions of a measure on stewardship (SM) contextually in... more The present study examines the latent dimensions of a measure on stewardship (SM) contextually interpreted here using a local concept in central Philippines. Overall, we want to find out how the dimensions resonate with religious and cultural views considering the significant papal insights on stewardship before and after Laudato Si. To create SM, we constructed 68 items after informal interviews of local inhabitants in four municipalities and reviewed local literature analyzing the conceptual meanings behind pamagmasabal. From a survey sample of 385 student informants, we cleaned the items and employed data reduction techniques and model fit statistics. SM is a two-dimensional scale with positive and negative attitudes towards stewardship. SM showed convergent validity with the Christian Environmentalism Scale (CES). The results are analyzed with respect to relevant religious and local cultural views.

Global Citizen 2.0: Transhumanism and Collective Identity

Journal of Intercultural Management and Ethics, 2024

As the world becomes ever-expanding through internationalization and digitization of human connec... more As the world becomes ever-expanding through internationalization and digitization of human connection, the ideologies of global citizenship and transhumanism have become prescient political projects in the United States. Global citizenship promotes an expanded sense of self which embraces peoples and cultures from around the world and is predicted by a normative environment and global awareness (Reysen & Katzarska-Miller, 2013a). Global citizenship identification robustly predicts prosocial values related to intergroup helping and empathy, environmentalism, and social justice. Transhumanism, advocates for the use of technological advancements to improve well-being and reduce suffering in humanity (Bostrom, 2005). Transhumanists tend to promote interconnectedness of humanity and think of technological intervention as a means to manage the evolutionary trajectory of the species. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between global citizenship identification and transhumanist orientation via a survey of college students (N = 1,069). Results indicated that transhumanist orientation is a reliable, positive predictor of global citizenship identification, antecedents of identification, as well as prosocial outcomes. The findings inform the way we conceptualize identity in an increasingly globalized world facilitated by technological advancement.

format_quoteGlobal citizenship is critiqued as a middle-class ideology entwined with colonial histories, complicating its purported inclusivity.format_quote

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"Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed": The influence of gender and in-group identification on transhumanist orientation

Journal of Digital Social Research, 2024

Transhumanism is a school of thought that promotes the enhancement of humanity through technologi... more Transhumanism is a school of thought that promotes the enhancement of humanity through technological intervention (e.g., cloning, gene therapies, uploading one's mind to a computer, nanotechnology). Due to its aims of altering evolutionary processes (Bostrom, 2005), transhumanism is highly controversial (Sinicki, 2015). The ideology finds support from younger men, as well as those engaged in sciencefiction literature (Gangadharbatla, 2020; Koverola et al., 2022). The present study aimed to investigate the role of gender and specific science fiction fan identities as predictors of transhumanism in three different samples of fandoms affiliated with science-fiction (e.g., anime fans, furries, and Star Wars fans) as well as in a control sample of college students. Participants (N = 6840) responded to a novel measure of transhumanist orientation in either an online or in-person survey. The findings indicated that men were the most likely to endorse transhumanism, as were fans of Star Wars and furries. Overall, the present study supports theorizing that transhumanism may be an influential motif in the science-fiction genre, as well as an appealing ideology for men.

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Acculturation strategies as predictors of fandom identification in the fanfiction, Star Wars fan, and furry communities

The Journal of Social Psychology, 2024

Research suggests that people at the interface of two different cultures may face a dilemma regar... more Research suggests that people at the interface of two different cultures may face a dilemma regarding how or whether to adopt aspects of the new culture in light of their existing cultural identity. A growing body of research in fan communities suggests that similar group processes may operate in recreational, volitional identities. We tested this by examining the associations between acculturation attitudes and identification with fan communities across three studies. Fanfiction fans, Star Wars fans, and furries completed measures of four different acculturation strategies with respect to managing their fan and non-fan communities as well as a measure of their identification with the fan community. Results across the three studies consistently found that integration and assimilation strategies positively predicted fan community identification, while separation and marginalization strategies negatively predicted fan community identification. Together, the results conceptually replicate and find evidence for the acculturation model.

Sexism and racism negatively predict preference for diverse characters in Star Wars fans

Psychology of Popular Media, 2024

The Star Wars sequel trilogy stirred up controversy in the Star Wars fanbase as racist and sexist... more The Star Wars sequel trilogy stirred up controversy in the Star Wars fanbase as racist and sexist comments regarding the new characters plagued forums and discussion boards. Critics of the new cast insisted that the new, diverse characters were poorly written or bland, while their detractors accused their criticism of being motivated by sexist and racist attitudes. In the present study, we assess whether fans' sexist and racist attitudes are associated with their preference for the new characters relative to previous characters. Self-identified Star Wars fans completed an online survey assessing the extent to which they hold sexist and racist attitudes, as well as their liking of newer, more diverse, characters (i.e., Finn, Rey, Rose Tico) and older, White, and man-led characters (i.e., Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Padme Amidala). The results support the hypothesis, showing that both hostile sexism and symbolic racism are negatively associated with liking the new characters. The results highlight how one's prejudices can extend beyond the screen and impact their attitudes toward fictional characters in the media they consume.

Social activities mediate the relation between fandom identification and psychological well-being

Leisure Sciences, 2024

Prior research demonstrates that a relationship exists between fan identification and psychologic... more Prior research demonstrates that a relationship exists between fan identification and psychological well-being. In the present research, we attempted to both conceptually replicate this finding, testing its generalizability in different fan groups and measured in different contexts, as well as extend it by testing whether fan friendships (Study 1) and fan activities (Studies 2 and 3) mediate the association. Across the three studies, fandom—the social component of fan identity—was found to be a significant predictor of psychological well-being while fanship—the more individualistic component of fan identity—was not. In Study 1, we found that having more friends who share one’s fan interest mediates the relationship between fandom identification and well-being. In Studies 2 and 3, attending fan events—a social activity—but not consuming media or online engagement likewise mediated the association between fandom identification and psychological well-being.

Fandom identification and in-person activities as mediators of the association between cosplay and psychological well-being

Journal of Fandom Studies, 2024

Cosplay, a portmanteau of the words ‘costume’ and ‘roleplay’, involves fans dressing up and actin... more Cosplay, a portmanteau of the words ‘costume’ and ‘roleplay’, involves fans dressing up and acting out fictional characters, usually at fan-themed events. Previous research on cosplay and well-being has found that people who cosplay, compared to non-cosplaying anime fans, experience more positive well-being, in part because they are more likely to disclose their fan interests to others rather than hiding it. In the present study we expand upon prior research by testing whether fandom identification and attending events mediate the association between cosplaying (i.e. a sample of cosplayers vs. non-cosplaying anime fans) and well-being. The results provide evidence for a serial mediation model consistent with our predictions and with prior findings. We discuss implications for measuring well-being in fan communities, including both cosplayers and non-cosplaying fans, as well as the potential benefits of in-person contact with members of one’s fandom.

“Chasing tail”: Testing the relative strength of sex and social interaction as predictors of furry identity

The Journal of Sex Research, 2024

Furries can be described as a mediacentric fandom, similar to other fandoms, which organizes arou... more Furries can be described as a mediacentric fandom, similar to other fandoms, which organizes around an interest in anthropomorphic art. Past research has also aimed to highlight and understand the sexual motivations of furries, leading to questions regarding the relative strength of fandom and sexual motivations for joining and maintaining membership within the group. The goal of the present study was to test the relative contributions sex- and fandom-related motivations (e.g., social belonging) have in determining furry identity to provide better conceptualizations of this unique community for future research and education. In a sample of furries (N = 1,113), participants reported sexual attraction to facets of their interest and were found to be sexually motivated to engage in specific fan behaviors. However, a series of follow-up analyses revealed that non-sexual motivations were not only stronger in magnitude than sexual motivation was, but were also much more strongly correlated with furry identification.

“They’re just weird”: Cognitive and affective mediators of the association between perceived nonprototypicality of, and prejudice toward, fan culture

Psychology of Popular Media, 2024

In the present article, we discuss the results of a cross-sectional study assessing prejudice tow... more In the present article, we discuss the results of a cross-sectional study assessing prejudice toward fans perceived as having nonprototypical interests. Drawing upon previous research on prototypicality, on the role of negative affect and beliefs in fostering prejudice, and on prejudice directed toward particular fan cultures, we developed and tested a serial mediation model. The model proposes that feelings of disgust and discomfort, along with negative beliefs about fans’ ulterior motives and dysfunctionality, mediate the link between a fan culture’s perceived nonprototypicality and prejudice toward members of that group. A sample of 290 undergraduates completed measures of each of these variables with respect to 40 different fan cultures. The results support our hypotheses and provide evidence for the proposed serial mediation model. We conclude by discussing the limitations of the study, as well as its practical and theoretical implications for research on fans and prejudice more generally.

Seeding the grassroots of research on furries: Lessons learned from 15 years of creative knowledge mobilization, valuing community partnerships, and correcting the record on stigmatized communities with evidence-based scholarship

Deviant Behavior, 2024

This paper documents a case study of how academics can use traditional research and non-tradition... more This paper documents a case study of how academics can use traditional research and non-traditional knowledge mobilization to improve the dissemination of findings related to stigmatized communities. The International Anthropomorphic Research Project (IARP) used peer-reviewed scholarship to challenge pervasive media misconceptions and misinformation about furries. Finding the reach of traditional academic outlets was inadequate to meaningfully impact mainstream misconceptions, we rebranded our research efforts under the name Furscience and utilized social marketing and creative dissemination to repackage the IARP’s research into more public-friendly, accessible formats. Furscience has become a multi-purpose platform specifically engineered to forge connections among academics, furries, the public, and media. It also supports the furry community’s own diverse, anti-stigma efforts by providing data, public education, and partnerships. We offer preliminary evidence that suggests Furscience has increased its public reach and that furries, themselves, see improvements in how the media and public understand their community. This case study offers academics who work with stigmatized populations—especially those plagued by misinformation—and engage in translational research an example of how data, community and media partnerships, and non-traditional dissemination strategies can improve research accessibility and anti-stigma efforts. We conclude with a summary of the lessons learned by Furscience.

The kids are alright: Furry well-being and mental health

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

We begin this chapter with a short introduction to well-being and how to measure it. Next, we com... more We begin this chapter with a short introduction to well-being and how to measure it. Next, we compare furries to other groups on measures of well-being. Finally, we discuss the prevalence of mental illness in furries and how it stacks up against other fandoms before briefly considering some of the variables that help us predict which furries tend to score highest on measures of well-being.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). The kids are alright: Furry well-being and mental health. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 683-704). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

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Haters gonna hate: Furry stigma

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In this chapter, we focus our attention on what it means for furries to be stigmatized. We begin ... more In this chapter, we focus our attention on what it means for furries to be stigmatized. We begin by laying out evidence—beyond anecdotes from headlines and violent rhetoric from online forums—showing that furries are stigmatized and recognize this stigma. Next, we describe research showing some of the reasons why furries are stigmatized as well as the consequences of this stigma for furries, including research showing that furries experience a significant amount of bullying. Finally, we discuss three ways that furries cope with this stigma—selective disclosure, denial of personal discrimination, and identification with the stigmatized group.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). Haters gonna hate: Furry stigma. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 657-681). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

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Purring motors: Fan drive and motivation

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

To understand what drives furries, in the present chapter, we first examine what leads furries to... more To understand what drives furries, in the present chapter, we first examine what leads furries to the furry fandom. Next, we discuss some of the ways psychologists study motivation, with an emphasis on fan studies, and see how we’ve been able to apply some of these concepts to the furry fandom. We then finish up the chapter by talking about furries’ values, a related concept that can also help us to understand what might motivate furries.

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). Purring motors: Fan drive and motivation. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 607-635). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

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From all walks: Individual differences

Furscience: A Decade of Psychological Research on the Furry Fandom, 2023

In this chapter, we put on our personality psychologist hats and look at individual differences: ... more In this chapter, we put on our personality psychologist hats and look at individual differences: what is it that makes one person different from another, that makes them react differently from another person in the same situation?

Reysen, S., & Plante, C. N. (2023). From all walks: Individual differences. In Plante, C. N., Reysen, S., Adams, C., Roberts, S. E., & Gerbasi, K. C. (Eds.), Furscience: A decade of psychological research on the furry fandom (pp. 571-606). International Anthropomorphic Research Project.

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