Nobody is lonely amongst the stars: sense of religious community in the Star Trek fandom

Calvert, Brittany Iolanda (2025) Nobody is lonely amongst the stars: sense of religious community in the Star Trek fandom. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (5MB)

Abstract

Religion in modernity has evolved, and media franchises may now form the basis for experiencing religious belonging and community in the changing nature of secular Western society. This thesis seeks to explore how Star Trek fandom, as a “cultural religion,” presents a similar sense of community as traditional religions and the impact it has on the sense of loneliness and mental health of participants. The research consisted of eighty-six completed questionnaires, four unstructured online interviews, and qualitative participant observation at conventions and in online fan forums, while also referencing scholarly works. The resulting portrait of Star Trek fandom does resemble traditional religion: the fandom supplies a unique sense of belonging; it provides comfort through the narratives in the series, a mission, and parasocial relationships. Fans often look towards the series and characters for escapism, understanding/speaking on serious issues, and guidance. Members experience increased meaning, sense of identity, confidence, self-awareness, social circles, coping ability, and ability to form relationships outside fandom, which all have a positive effect on loneliness and the fan’s mental health. This research may benefit both the study of religion and its changing landscape and provide insight into the nature of how fandom involvement can serve as a community-seeking and mental health-bolstering endeavour.

Actions (login required)

View Item