lesson 12 - attachment theory

Question 1

how can parasocial relationships be linked to attachment problems

Answer 1

Parasocial relationships can be linked to attachment problems in childhood
(insecure-resistant attachment). Several characteristics of parasocial
relationships are linked to attachment e.g. the protest at the loss of a
parasocial attachment figure is similar to separation protest seen in infants.
Bowlby noted that failure to attach/poor attachment/insecure attachment led
to problems later in life e.g. affectionless psychopath, poor internal working
model of relationships, delinquency etc. People with childhood attachment
problems form parasocial relationships to meet their need for
attachment/affection. Parasocial relationships do not involve the same fear of
rejection as real-life relationships do.

Question 2

strengths of attachment theory

Answer 2

Cole and Leets (1999) found that individuals with an insecure-resistant
attachment style were more likely to engage in parasocial relationships with
their favourite TV personality and insecure-avoidant individuals were the least
likely to engage in parasocial relationships. This suggests there is a relationship
between early attachment in childhood and adult parasocial relationships.
+ Research has found that 63% of stalkers experienced loss of a primary
caregiver in childhood usually from parental separation. 50% reported childhood
emotional, physical or sexual abuse from their primary caregivers. This
supports the idea that disturbed attachment in childhood is related to extreme
forms of parasocial relationships as an adult.
+ A study found that adults with insecure attachment types had positive
attitudes to obsessive behaviours and stalking. Pathological attachment types
tend to engage in stalking which implies stalking is related to childhood
attachment.

Question 3

weakness of attachment theory

Answer 3

Research studies into the link between infant attachment type and parasocial
relationships rely on participants’ memories about their early lives in order to
assess their infant attachment style. Such recollections are likely to be flawed
because our memories of the past are not always accurate, meaning the studies
are not valid.
- Parasocial relationships can be positive and not just about fulfilling
attachment needs. For example, they allow a safe exploration of emotions.