What Is the ‘Batman Effect’ and How Can It Help Your Child?

Published: August 6, 2025

By India McCarty

Every kid dreams of being a superhero, but could playing pretend actually help boost your child’s focus and perseverance?

“The creation of an alter ego — or the thought of being someone else — is far more common than one would think,” a report from ParentMap explained, adding that alter egos can help us “get through tough situations and make it easier to deal with anxiety-provoking situations.”

For kids, this is referred to as the “Batman effect,” and researchers say it can improve children’s focus, as well as their determination to complete a task.

In a study published in Child Development looking into this “Batman effect,” researchers asked 4 and 6 year-olds to complete a repetitive task while having the option to take breaks and play a video game.

“Across both ages, children who impersonated an exemplar other — in this case a character, such as Batman — spent the most time working, followed by children who took a third-person perspective on the self, or finally, a first-person perspective,” the study found.

So, what’s behind this effect? Scientists pointed out that when kids view themselves as “powerful and in control,” they are more likely to persevere. Viewing themselves as a character can also help children distance themselves from a situation, which can help them avoid feeling anxiety.

In a report from Forbes, researchers explained that the “Batman effect” can also help kids detach themselves from “limiting beliefs.”

“When you step into a different version of yourself — one that is fearless and capable of handling challenges, you are effectively distancing yourself from your self-limitations,” the outlet explained. “You begin to see your fears from an outsider’s perspective, allowing you to push through them.”

For parents who might want to implement this method into their children’s lives, researchers recommended helping craft a “superhero script” with your kid.

“Engaging in role playing with your child and asking them, ‘What would Batman [or whoever their superhero is] do/say/think?’ is therefore an easy and effective way to promote your child’s ability to reflect and have them learn to see situations from different angles,” ParentMap wrote.

The site also encourages parents to help their kid name their superpower, whether it’s kindness, creativity, or being patient, as well as use positive reinforcement to teach your children that you appreciate their behavior.

Imagination is an incredibly important tool for kids, and with the “Batman effect,” it can even help children learn valuable life lessons — and encourage them to never give up.

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