Instructions: Individual fans may be drawn to and participate in a fan community (fandom) for various different reasons. No two fans will be alike with respect to what they "receive" from being a fan. The following questions are meant to help us determine what you personally find useful and important about your fandom.
Think about the times you feel the most connected to and/or engaged with the [Insert Name of Fan Interest] fandom and rate the following items.
My involvement with the [Insert Name of Fan Interest] fandom…
1. Provides me with an opportunity to grow and discover more about aspects of myself.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
2. Provides me with answers/information/guidance I need to face situations in my life.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
3. Provides me with an experience of captivating beauty and inspiration.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
4. Provides me with a sense of fulfillment as I feel like something is missing when I am not involved.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
5. Provides me with an opportunity to express myself and my uniqueness.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
6. Provides me with an outlet for my creativity.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
7. Provides me with a focus or sense of purpose.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
8. Provides me with a break from life's stresses.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
9. Provides me with an engaging and entertaining experience.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
10. Provides me with a good laugh and/or cry.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
11. Provides me with a chance/way to retreat from difficult life situations.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
12. Provides me an opportunity to share with my family and bring us closer.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
13. Provides me with an activity to share with my existing friends/ ways to stay connected.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
14. Provides me with a chance to expand my circle of friends.
Not at all True 1 2 3 4 5 Very True
Scoring Instructions:
Purpose in Life/Inspiration: Average items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Escape: Average items 8, 9, 10, 11.
Belonging: Average items 12, 13, 14.
Cite: Chadborn, D., Edwards, P., & Reysen, S. (2017). Displaying fan identity to make friends. Intensities: The Journal of Cult Media, 9, 87-97. [Download]
Purpose: The purpose of the fandom functions scale is to assess the degree of purpose, escape, and belonging as motivations to participate in a fandom.