Introduction: Being a fan influences an individual’s daily activities and occupational engagement. The activities associated with fandom often hold significant personal meaning. While extensive research has examined the societal impact of fandoms, little attention has been given to how fan experiences shape individuals’ lives.
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the personal experiences and impact of fan engagement.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using Web of Science, with “fandom” as the primary search term. The review included original articles published before August 2024 that examined the personal experience of being a fan of idols or KPOP, which refers to the music of Korean idols. Sixteen studies were selected based on their relevance to the research question, focusing on those that provided qualitative or descriptive accounts of fan experiences. The synthesis process involved identifying recurring themes across studies, categorizing key findings, and interpreting the broader implications of fan engagement on individual well-being.
Results: Findings indicate that being a fan fosters a sense of belonging within the fandom and a strong self-identification with idols. While fan engagement can enhance happiness, it may also lead to stress related to idol-related issues. The review highlights both the positive and negative psychological and social impacts of fandom participation.
Conclusion: Recognizing an individual’s fan experiences and the occupational aspects of fandom may enhance therapeutic interventions. In Japan, fandom is a significant cultural phenomenon, particularly in idol culture. Understanding its impact is essential for developing culturally relevant occupational therapy approaches.