Offline Cosplay and the Mental Health of Female ACG Enthusiasts: A Social Identity Theory Perspective

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationship between offline cosplay participation and mental health outcomes among female ACG (Animation, Comics, and Games) enthusiasts, theoretically framed within the paradigms of Social Identity Theory (SIT). As subcultural engagement becomes increasingly prevalent, understanding its psychological impacts is crucial. Using a comprehensive cross-sectional design, 328 female participants aged 15 and above were recruited from major Chinese cities. The cohort was divided into an experimental group (n = 167, individuals with active offline cosplay experience) and a control group (n = 161, individuals without such experience). Rigorous data collection was conducted through a structured questionnaire incorporating validated psychological instruments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, the Body Image Satisfaction subscale, the Sense of Community Index, and a Participation Intensity Scale. Comprehensive statistical analyses, encompassing independent t-tests, correlation analyses, and advanced mediation modeling, revealed that offline cosplay participants reported significantly higher levels of self-esteem, self-concept clarity, and body image satisfaction compared to their non-participating peers. Furthermore, within the experimental group, the frequency of participation and personal investment in cosplay positively predicted these favorable psychological outcomes. Crucially, a sense of community belonging was found to partially mediate these effects, robustly supporting the core premise of SIT that strong group identification actively enhances overall psychological well-being. Ultimately, these findings strongly suggest that offline cosplay transcends mere entertainment; it functions as a vital, identity-affirming practice that actively promotes emotional resilience and social integration among contemporary young women.