Defining Identification - A Theoretical Look at the Identification of Audiences With Media Characters - Jonathan Cohen

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr

The article argues that identification with media characters, though widely discussed in media research, lacks careful conceptualization and rigorous empirical testing in audience studies. It provides a theoretical definition of identification, distinguishes it from other audience reactions, and examines consequences for identity development and socialization processes. Drawing on prior findings across media effects and reception research, it proposes hypotheses about antecedents and consequences and highlights the value of a dedicated identification theory.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Identification as an Inside Reception Mechanism

Prior Research and Effects

Communication Theories Addressing Identification

Defining Identification and Key Questions

Theoretical Context

Psychological Roots in Child Identification

Identification, Imagination, and Consciousness

Defining Identification: A Theoretical Look at the Identification of Audiences With Media Characters Jonathan Cohen Department of Communication University of Haifa In this article I argue that although the notion of identification with media characters is widely discussed in media research, it has not been carefully conceptualized or rig orously tested in empirical audience studies. This study presents a theoretical discussion of identification, including a definition of identification and a discussion of the consequences of identification with media characters for the development of identity and socialization processes. It is suggested that a useful distinction can be made between identification and other types of reactions that media audiences have to media characters. A critical look at media research involving identification exposes the inherent conceptual problems in this research and leads to hypotheses regarding the antecedents and consequences of identification with media characters. The importance of a theory of identification to media research and communication research, more broadly, is presented. When reading a novel or watching a film ora television program, audience members often become absorbed in the plot and identify with the characters portrayed. Unlike the more distanced mode of reception—that of spectatorship—identification is a mechanism through which audience members experience reception and interpretation of the text from the inside, as if the events were happening to them. Identification is tied to the social effects of media in general (e.g., Basil, 1996; Maccoby & Wilson, 1957); to the learning of violence from violent films and television, specifically (Huesmann, Lagerspetz, & Eron, 1984); and is a central mechanism for explaining such effects. As Morley (1992) said: “One can hardly imagine any television text having any effect whatever without that identification”(p. 209) . The most promi- Requests for reprints should be sent to Jonathan Cohen, Department of Communication, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel, 31905. E-mail: [jcohen@research.haifa.ac.il](jcohen@research.haifa.ac.il) 246 COHEN nent studies of media reception (e.g., Liebes & Katz, 1990; Press, 1989; Radway, 1983) as well as several studies of media effects (e.g., Huesmann et al., 1984; Maccoby & Wilson, 1957; Sheehan, 1983; Wiegman, Kuttschreuter, & Baarda, 1992) accorded identification an important role in the effects of media. Huesmann et al. (1984) found that identifying with aggressive characters on TV increased the learning of aggressive behavior by children. Basil (1996) found that identification with celebrities who were promoting health messages increased the adoption of these messages. Maccoby and Wilson (1957) found that children remembered more of the actions and speech of characters with whom they identified. Ethnographic audience studies found that when asked to discuss their reactions to shows, TV viewers will often focus on their feelings and reactions to characters, including mentions of strong identification with characters (e.g., Liebes & Katz, 1990) . Finally, identification is important because of its contribution to the development of self-identity. As self-identity is related to our perception of others and how they view us, media images are linked to self-identity (e.g., sexual identity is linked to beliefs about sex roles). Identifying with media others allows us to experience social reality from other perspectives and, thus, shapes the development of self-identity and social attitudes (Erikson, 1968) . It is little surprising, therefore, that various communication theories have explored identification. Textual theories have proposed to uncover the ways certain features of texts promote audience identification (Wilson, 1993) . Theories of media effects see identification as increasing the association between exposure and impact (e.g., Basil, 1996) . For theories of active involveme

FAQs

What does the article say is missing in media research on identification?

It argues that identification with media characters is not carefully conceptualized and has not been rigorously tested in empirical audience studies.

How does the article distinguish identification from other audience reactions?

It proposes separating identification from other responses such as parasocial interaction, imitation, and modeling, which are sometimes confused with identification.

Why is identification considered important for audiences?

The article links identification to social effects of media and to the development of self-identity by letting audiences experience social reality from other perspectives.

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr