Call for Proposals: Psychgeist of Pokémon

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Pokémon, a globally renowned franchise created by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures, has captivated audiences for over two decades. This multifaceted world, encompassing video games, trading card games, animated series, and more, invites exploration into the psychological aspects that make Pokémon a timeless phenomenon. In this volume, we aim to delve into the minds of Pokémon trainers, the creatures they catch, and the intricate world they navigate.

This book is part of the collection The Psychgeist of Pop Culture, published by ETC Press. The series focuses on iconic pop culture content, dissecting them through a psychological lens to unravel the factors that make them enduring.

Each chapter in this book will focus on a specific area of the Pokémon universe. While the list below provides potential combinations of topics, it is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to propose alternative pairings:

  • Pikachu: Why Do We Feel So Emotionally Connected to Mascots?
  • Bulbasaur's Choice: Decision-Making and Starter Pokémon
  • Gotta Catch 'Em All: The Psychology of the Completionist
  • Team Rocket: The Dual Nature of Antagonists – Comedy and Threat
  • Legendary Pokémon: Myth, Symbolism, and Archetypes
  • Eevee's Evolution: Identity Formation and Pokémon Training: Ethics and power dynamics in relationships
  • Psychic-Type Pokémon: The Psychology of Extrasensory Perception
  • Nostalgia and Longevity: Returning to Kanto
  • Gyarados' Rage: Anger and Transformation

Submit an abstract (no more than 300 words) and your resume/CV to Austin.Attaway@cgu.edu no later than March 30, 2024, with the Subject line: “Psychgeist of Pokemon”.

We encourage diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches. You do not need to be a formally trained psychologist to contribute. Previous volumes have featured authors from a wide range of backgrounds, including communication science, journalism, film and television studies, music studies, English literature, and lived experience. Join us on this journey to uncover what makes Pokémon such an enduring cultural phenomenon.