8. RELATIONSHIPS (Parasocial Relationships) Flashcards
What does the term ‘parasocial’ mean?
‘Para’ means ‘resembling’, so parasocial relationships (PSRs) resemble normal relationships but lack reciprocity.
What are parasocial relationships (PSRs)?
One-sided, unreciprocated relationships, usually with a celebrity, where the fan expends emotional energy, commitment, and time.
With whom do parasocial relationships typically develop?
Television celebrities, bloggers, sports personalities, social media influencers, and gamers.
What are some reasons why people form PSRs?
Lack of real relationships, shyness, loneliness, no demands or risks, weak self-identity, and lack of fulfilment in life.
What age group is most likely to form PSRs?
Most likely between ages 11 and 17.
What are the three levels of parasocial relationships identified by Maltby et al. (2006)?
Entertainment-social
Intense-personal
Borderline-pathological.
Describe the entertainment-social level of PSRs.
Least intense level; fans are attracted to a celebrity for entertainment and gossip.
Describe the intense-personal level of PSRs.
Deeper involvement, obsessive thoughts, and intense feelings towards a celebrity.
Describe the borderline-pathological level of PSRs.
Strongest level; over-identification, uncontrollable fantasies, and extreme behaviors like spending excessive money or breaking the law.
What research supports the levels of PSRs?
McCutcheon et al. (2016) found that intense-personal and borderline-pathological levels were linked to anxiety in intimate relationships.
What is the Absorption-Addiction Model (AAM)?
A model explaining PSRs as a response to deficiencies in one’s life, providing escape and fulfilment.
What are the two components of the AAM?
Absorption – Focused attention on the celebrity, preoccupation, and identification.
Addiction – Escalating involvement requiring more extreme behaviors.
What evidence supports the AAM?
Maltby et al. (2005) found that females with intense-personal PSRs with thin celebrities had poorer body image, possibly contributing to eating disorders.
What is a limitation of research into PSRs?
Most studies are correlational, making it difficult to establish causation.
What is the attachment theory explanation of PSRs?
PSRs function like real-life relationships, showing proximity-seeking, secure base, and protest at disruption.
How do different attachment styles influence PSRs?
Insecure-resistant: More likely to form PSRs due to fear of rejection.
Insecure-avoidant: Less likely due to discomfort with closeness.
Secure: Less interested in celebrities due to fulfilled social needs.
What research supports the attachment theory of PSRs?
Cohen (2004) found that people expected to feel sadness and loneliness after losing a PSR, particularly those with insecure attachment styles.
How do PSRs differ across cultures?
Dinkha et al. (2015) found insecure attachment types were more likely to form PSRs in both collectivist (Kuwait) and individualist (USA) cultures.
Flashcard 19:Q: How can PSRs lead to loneliness?
Eyal & Cohen (2006) found that fans of ‘Friends’ felt lonely after the show ended, demonstrating that PSRs can increase loneliness.
What is a limitation of research into PSRs?
Many studies use self-report methods, which can be biased due to denial, exaggeration, or social desirability.
What practical applications does PSR research have?
It helps in developing treatments for stalking, such as psychotherapy and medication to reduce obsessive tendencies.
