Avatar Faculty

Jeffrey G. Snodgrass is Professor of Anthropology at Colorado State University.

"Scholars and social scientists of religion will find much of interest in this book, because it explores the increasingly uncertain borders of 'religion,' when secularization may be obscuring the meaning of the concept without actually satisfying the human need for sacred norms and profound meanings."

• ContentsList of IllustrationsKey Terms and AbbreviationsPreface Central Characters and SettingsIntroduction 1 • Sacred and Secular Settings 2 • The Psychology of Avatar Therapeutics: Absorptive Experiences and Stress Relief3 • The Psychosocial Dynamics of Avatar  Therapeutics: Enhanced Self-Image and Elevated Social Standing 4 • Distinguishing Therapeutic from Toxic Avatar Experiences: Norm Conflicts and Felt Dissonance Conclusion AcknowledgmentsAppendix A. Chapter 2 Supplemental Material: Survey Methods and Results Appendix B. Chapter 3 Supplemental Materials:Survey Methods and ResultsAppendix C. Chapter 4 Supplemental Material:Survey Methods and Results Notes Glossary References Index