Perceptions Of Leaders, Heroes And Villains: Mystery Resolution And Meaning-Making, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2018
Perceptions Of Leaders, Heroes And Villains: Mystery Resolution And Meaning-Making, George R. Goethals, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we review the myriad ways that people resolve mystery and uncertainty in social perception. People rely on perceptual, cognitive, and motivational resources at their disposal to acquire an understanding of mysterious persons, groups, and circumstances. Perceptual forces at work in the mystery resolution process include principles of gestalt organization. Cognitive processes that come into play include people’s use of impressions, prototypes, archetypes, and implicit theories of leadership, heroism, and villainy. Moreover, we describe several key motivational forces that steer people toward desired conclusions about mystery. Implications for social behavior and perception are discussed.
From Little Princess To Mother Of Dragons: Daenerys Targaryen’S Heroine’S Journey, Hallie M. Whiting
Dec 2018
From Little Princess To Mother Of Dragons: Daenerys Targaryen’S Heroine’S Journey, Hallie M. Whiting
Scott T. Allison
In Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen’s name contains almost all of her life: Daenerys of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, The Unburnt, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Protector of the Realm, Lady Regnant of the Seven Kingdoms, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons (Daenerys Targaryen, 2017). While the lengthiness of her name certainly speaks to her ability as a conqueror and ruler, it does not do her life story justice. Daenerys serves as a heroine to not only the fictional world which …
The Heroic Transformation Of Dexter Morgan, Killer Of Killers, S. S. Diaz
Dec 2018
The Heroic Transformation Of Dexter Morgan, Killer Of Killers, S. S. Diaz
Scott T. Allison
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the heroic life and transformation of a prominent television character Dexter Morgan, during seasons one through four of Dexter, a serial killer of killers. This chapter first reviews the hero’s journey as described by Joseph Campbell (1949).
Malala Yousafzai: How One Girl’S Heroic Transformation Forever Changed The World, Alexandra M. Maloney
Dec 2018
Malala Yousafzai: How One Girl’S Heroic Transformation Forever Changed The World, Alexandra M. Maloney
Scott T. Allison
The purpose of this chapter is to offer an analysis of Malala Yousafzai’s transformation, drawing from the literature of heroism science. In doing so, the chapter will explore elements of Malala’s heroic traits, calling, suffering, and journey, with an emphasis on how these elements transformed her mentally and emotionally. This chapter will also discuss the implications of being a hero as a woman. The chapter concludes with an analysis of Malala’s overall impact on women’s rights and the feminist movement.
Sectumsempra: An Analysis Of The Heroic Transformation Of Severus Snape, Jake C. Cardwell
Dec 2018
Sectumsempra: An Analysis Of The Heroic Transformation Of Severus Snape, Jake C. Cardwell
Scott T. Allison
This chapter seeks to examine the character Severus Snape and his heroism. I will go about this task by analyzing Snape’s life and legacy, and judging him through several lenses of heroism science. Most importantly, the goal of this discussion is to determine whether or not Snape is truly a “hero.” Whether you love him or hate him, Severus Snape is one of the most recognizable literary characters of the twenty-first century, and his morality and merits are still talked about by fans of the Harry Potter franchise. I will use traditional archetypes and theories of heroism science to determine …
Edgar Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Hero, Michael David Bonifonte
Dec 2017
Edgar Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Hero, Michael David Bonifonte
Scott T. Allison
This chapter seeks to explore Edgar Allan Poe’s heroism, incorporating many of the ideas from recent heroism science to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was not just a gifted yet impoverished writer, he was a bona fide Richmond hero.
Arthur Ashe: A Hero On And Off The Court, Carlie Q. Blessing
Dec 2017
Arthur Ashe: A Hero On And Off The Court, Carlie Q. Blessing
Scott T. Allison
The purpose of this chapter is to offer an analysis of the many reasons why Arthur
Ashe is one of Richmond’s greatest heroes. One definition of heroism, focusing on
the phenomenon’s subjective nature, is that “heroism is in the eye of the beholder”
(Allison & Goethals, 2011), an idea that recognizes that people have their own intuitive
beliefs about what comprises a hero. This chapter offers insights from this subjective perspective, focusing on Arthur Ashe’s courage, dignity, grace, and class.
John Mitchell, Jr.: The Hero Of Richmond Journalism And Social Change, Josh A. Trauberman
Dec 2017
John Mitchell, Jr.: The Hero Of Richmond Journalism And Social Change, Josh A. Trauberman
Scott T. Allison
The purpose of this chapter is to offer an analysis of the events and encounters
that led to John Mitchell, Jr.’s ascendance to heroism. This chapter will
detail the tumultuous times and challenging contexts that led to Mitchell’s
heroism. My goal is to illuminate Mitchell’s heroic journey, during which
he demonstrated each of Allison and Goethals’ (2011) great eight character
traits of heroism. I will also describe the heroic transformative processes
that drove Mitchell’s desire to change himself and the society around him
(Allison & Goethals, 2017). In addition, this chapter will explore Mitchell’s
career development and his steadfast sense …
Millennials, Heroes, And Villains: The Confluence Of Generational Moral Complexity, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2017
Millennials, Heroes, And Villains: The Confluence Of Generational Moral Complexity, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
This chapter is about Millennial heroes and villains, with emphasis on the people
whom the Millennial generation believes to be heroes and the people whom
this generation believes to be villains. I first
define heroism and villainy, drawing from relevant theory and research in the
burgeoning field of heroism science. I will then describe what is known about
the Millennial generation and about how Millennials are believed to differ from
other generational groups. Next, I will describe social psychological theory and
research bearing on the distinctions among the various generations, from the
Silent Generation to the Post-Millennial Generation. Finally, I …
Unconditional Love And Evil Stepmothers: How Parents Are Heroes And Villains, Rebecca M. Fischer
Dec 2017
Unconditional Love And Evil Stepmothers: How Parents Are Heroes And Villains, Rebecca M. Fischer
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, I will discuss how parents are biologically driven to protect, care for, and motivate their children to success. These same biological drives may also hurt children, especially in the case of stepparents. Parents face considerable social pressure when deciding how to raise their child. Many parents get trapped in fads and in the idea that there is a perfect way to raise a child – and some ways may indeed do more harm than others. When taking parental fads to the extreme, parents run into the risk of harming their own children. Sometimes parents may abandon their …
The Hero Organism: Advancing The Embodiment Of Heroism Thesis In The Twenty-First Century, Olivia Efthimiou
Dec 2016
The Hero Organism: Advancing The Embodiment Of Heroism Thesis In The Twenty-First Century, Olivia Efthimiou
Scott T. Allison
Heroic accounts have captured the human imagination throughout history. In postmodern times the academic community has witnessed a resurgence in the intellectual and empirical pursuit of the concept of heroism—the advent of the multiple disciplinary field of heroism science signals the end of the monopoly of myth, fiction and popular culture on the study of heroism, offering a multi-perspective lens for the active and rigorous observation of this enduring phenomenon. Research efforts to date, however, have largely focused on its psychosocial aspects, without addressing the interaction with and relationship to the body in sufficient depth. This chapter aims to contribute …
Underdogs As Heroes, Joseph A. Vandello, Nadav Goldschmied, Kenneth Michniewicz
Dec 2016
Underdogs As Heroes, Joseph A. Vandello, Nadav Goldschmied, Kenneth Michniewicz
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we review theory and research that attempts to unlock the appeal of the under- dog. As we will show, while there is plenty of evidence for the powerful draw of underdogs, there is as of yet no consensus about the cause of this appeal. We will also speculate on the conceptual simi- larities and differences between rooting for underdogs and judging people as heroes.
The Founding Of Richmond: William Byrd Ii's Heroic Odyssey, Jonathan Anthony Ohlmann
Dec 2016
The Founding Of Richmond: William Byrd Ii's Heroic Odyssey, Jonathan Anthony Ohlmann
Scott T. Allison
e goal of this chapter is to shed light on William Byrd II’s unique story and highlight his heroic journey to establishing Richmond. e chapter will take an in depth look at the personal transformation Byrd II under- went upon arriving back in Virginia. I will also describe the profound impact that Byrd II had on society as a whole.
The City Of Richmond, Virginia: A Cultural And Historical Nexus Of Heroism, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2016
The City Of Richmond, Virginia: A Cultural And Historical Nexus Of Heroism, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
Richmond's unique culture and history has rendered it a magnet of heroism. This volume, Heroes of Richmond: Four Centuries of Courage, Dignity, and Virtue, has assembled scholarly contributions about Richmond’s heroic past from a distinguished group of undergraduate students at the University of Richmond.
Heroic Leadership, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2016
Heroic Leadership, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
The world’s most revered leaders have traveled the hero’s journey of personal transformation and, in turn, have used their gifts to transform others. The heroic leader’s journey is the human journey, replete with struggle, growth, learning, transformation, and an ascendency from followership to heroic leadership. Those who dare to transform, or who are compelled to do so by circumstance, grow into fully developed human beings ready, willing, and able to transform others. The transformed hero represents the pinnacle of human maturity, the state of wellbeing that allows people to flourish and experience eudaimonia.
Setting The Scene: The Rise And Coalescence Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals, Roderick M. Kramer
Dec 2016
Setting The Scene: The Rise And Coalescence Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals, Roderick M. Kramer
Scott T. Allison
This opening chapter of the Handbook of Heroism and Heroic Leadership offers insights and inspiration about the zenith of human behavior. The contributions to this volume offer a sturdy foundations for the development of a multidisciplinary and even transdisciplinary perspective on the antecedents and consequences of heroic behavior. In aggregate, these chapters chart the landscape of what we currently know about heroism-related phenomena, covering a panoply of human experiences. The chapters encompass such diverse topics as courage, empathy, resilience, hope, meaning, purpose, spirituality, morality, altruism, character strengths, wisdom, development, regeneration, and transformation.
The Hero's Transformation, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2016
The Hero's Transformation, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we provide an analysis of human transformation in heroic storytelling and in the lives of everyday people. We describe what a transformation is, why it is important, what causes it to happen, and how it varies from hero to hero. We argue that the hero’s transformation is the most central yet most overlooked component of the monomyth of the hero as described by Joseph Campbell (1949) in his classic volume, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Our chapter discusses the ways in which the hero’s journey parallels various stages of healthy human development, during which people …
Attributes And Applications Of Heroes: A Brief History Of Lay And Academic Perspectives, Elaine Kinsella, Timothy D. Ritchie, Eric Igou
Dec 2016
Attributes And Applications Of Heroes: A Brief History Of Lay And Academic Perspectives, Elaine Kinsella, Timothy D. Ritchie, Eric Igou
Scott T. Allison
We briefly summarize the existing research on heroism with particular focus on the audience for heroes, and their perception of hero characteristics and influence. A new model, the hero functions framework (Kinsella, Ritchie, & Igou, 2015a), is presented and the three categories of psychological functions that heroes seem to fulfill for others are discussed. We outline three areas that we believe should be prioritized when planning future research. We then provide examples of how to use citizen heroes as a tool for positive change in health, well-being, rehabilitation, and education contexts.
Heroism Science: Frameworks For An Emerging Field, Olivia Efthimiou, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2016
Heroism Science: Frameworks For An Emerging Field, Olivia Efthimiou, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
This article outlines the conceptual framework for a new science focused on heroism using multiple perspectives to generate a science that is explicitly in service to humanity. The role of heroism as a case study for deviant interdisciplinarity, heroism science as storytelling and story revising, and its impacts for research and communities are considered. The primary concern of the deviant agenda of heroism science is the unity of knowledge and the testability of narrative-driven scientific inquiry. In this agenda, science as “episteme” and heroism are unified in their core epistemic function. Heroism science is posited as a prime candidate for …
Paradoxical Truths In Heroic Leadership: Implications For Leadership Development And Effectiveness, Scott T. Allison, Jennifer L. Cecilione
Dec 2015
Paradoxical Truths In Heroic Leadership: Implications For Leadership Development And Effectiveness, Scott T. Allison, Jennifer L. Cecilione
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we discuss the basic elements of heroic leadership, showing how heroism and exemplary leadership are deeply intertwined. We then describe six paradoxical truths about heroic leadership that are often unrecognized and unappreciated. We believe that ignorance of these counterintuitive truths and paradoxes about heroic leadership can lead to misunderstandings about leaders, leadership, and leadership development. Most of these paradoxes are a central part of the hero’s journey as described by comparative mythologist Joseph Campbell (1949). We will discuss the genesis of these paradoxical truths, and we will suggest ways that an awareness of these principles can engender …
Suffering And Sacrifice: Individual And Collective Benefits, And Implications For Leadership, Scott T. Allison, Gwendolyn C. Setterberg
Dec 2015
Suffering And Sacrifice: Individual And Collective Benefits, And Implications For Leadership, Scott T. Allison, Gwendolyn C. Setterberg
Scott T. Allison
In this chapter, we review the ways in which suffering and sacrifice are beneficial to human beings. In our review, we draw from both ancient and modern spiritual traditions and a large body of psychological research on the determinants of happiness and mental health. Our review is necessarily an abbreviated one; a thorough treatment of this topic would surely fill an entire volume. This chapter represents an initial attempt to illuminate basic insights, using broad brushstrokes, about the ways in which suffering and sacrifice contribute to people’s emotional, behavioral, and spiritual wellness. In addition to describing the psychological and spiritual …
Hero Worship: The Elevation Of The Human Spirit, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2015
Hero Worship: The Elevation Of The Human Spirit, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
In this article, we review the psychology of hero development and hero worship. We propose that heroes and hero narratives fulfill important cognitive and emotional needs, including the need for wisdom, meaning, hope, inspiration, and growth. We propose a framework called the heroic leadership dynamic (HLD) to explain how need-based heroism shifts over time, from our initial attraction to heroes to later retention or repudiation of heroes. Central to the HLD is idea that hero narratives fulfill both epistemic and energizing functions. Hero stories provide epistemic benefits by providing scripts for prosocial action, by revealing fundamental truths about human existence, …
Common Storytelling Elements In The Journeys Of Heroes And Villains, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2014
Common Storytelling Elements In The Journeys Of Heroes And Villains, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
In this paper, we review similarities and differences between the classic storytelling arc of heroes and that of villains. We propose some basic differences between the hero's journey and the villain's journey but conclude that the main difference resides in a temporal staggering of the two characters' journeys.
Defining Heroism: Objectively Possible Or In The Eye Of The Beholder?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2014
Defining Heroism: Objectively Possible Or In The Eye Of The Beholder?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
A number of scholars have attempted to define heroism (see Franco, Blau, & Zimbardo, 2011). We applaud these efforts while also agreeing with Joseph Campbell (1988) that heroism is ultimately in the eye of the beholder.
The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2014
The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
In this article I describe the nascent field of heroism science, as part of a broader movement for the promotion of heroism in 21st century societies. I identify several markers of its emergence and offer reasons why the science is now coalescing into an established and autonomous field of inquiry. Moreover, I discuss the importance of maintaining a dynamic symbiotic relationship between the research and activist wings of the heroism movement. The aims and scope of heroism science are discussed, and reasons are offered for producing a science that is inclusive, transdisciplinary, and risk-taking. I examine all these issues within …
Pocahontas: The Unknown And Underestimated Hero Of Central Virginia, Meghan N. Dillon
Dec 2014
Pocahontas: The Unknown And Underestimated Hero Of Central Virginia, Meghan N. Dillon
Scott T. Allison
The purpose of this chapter is to dispel some of the false perceptions of Pocahontas and elaborate on her many acts of selflessness during the early colonization of Virginia. These actions added up to a meaningful life of heroism. Through the use of various scholarly articles and sources, we can attempt to understand her heroism as it pertains to her relationship with the English colonizers sent by the Virginia Company. Pocahontas’ contributions to the heroic history of Richmond largely go unnoticed, but it is this chapter’s aim to bring her and all of her varied accomplishments into the light. Without …
What Is Your Purpose In Life?, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2014
What Is Your Purpose In Life?, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
Joseph Campbell (1949) did more than outline the stages of the hero's journey; he proposed that all human beings are on such a journey. We show how the hero's path mirrors stages of human lifespan development. This parallel suggests that human beings' life purpose is to live the life of a hero, including (1) embarking on a journey; (2) growing from adversity; (3) assembling a team of allies; and (4) giving back to society.
The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2014
The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
In this article I describe the nascent field of heroism science, as part of a broader movement for the promotion of heroism in 21st century societies. I identify several markers of its emergence and offer reasons why the science is now coalescing into an established and autonomous field of inquiry. Moreover, I discuss the importance of maintaining a dynamic symbiotic relationship between the research and activist wings of the heroism movement. The aims and scope of heroism science are discussed, and reasons are offered for producing a science that is inclusive, transdisciplinary, and risk-taking. I examine all these issues within …
The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison
Dec 2014
The Initiation Of Heroism Science, Scott T. Allison
Scott T. Allison
In this article I describe the emergent field of heroism science. I identify several markers of its emergence and offer reasons why the science is now coalescing into an established and autonomous field of inquiry. Moreover, I discuss the importance of maintaining a dynamic symbiotic relationship between the scientific and activist wings of the heroism movement. The aims and scope of heroism science are discussed, and reasons are offered for producing a science that is inclusive, transdisciplinary, and risk-taking. I examine all these issues within the metaphorical framework of initiation.
Does The Villain's Journey Mirror The Hero's Journey?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Dec 2014
Does The Villain's Journey Mirror The Hero's Journey?, Scott T. Allison, George R. Goethals
Scott T. Allison
We propose that the villain's journey both parallels, and is the inverse of, the hero's journey.
