Parasocial Relationships

Question 1

What is a para-social relationship

Answer 1

Para-social relationships are one sided, with the target individual, unaware of the existence of the person who created the relationship. The relationship can be appealing as they make few demands, and the individual does not run risk of criticism or rejection

Question 2

Why are para-social relationships likely

Answer 2

• the object of affection is perceived as attractive
• perceived as similar and real
• female viewer
• typically lonely or shy

Question 3

How are levels of para-social relationships measured?

Answer 3

Celebrity attitude scale - social aspect of relationship, intensity of relationship and harmful effects of relationship

Question 4

The levels of para-social relationships are…

Answer 4

Entertainment Social, Intense-personal, Borderline Pathological

ES: Source of entertainment and interaction
IP: Intensive, compulsive emotions towards the celebrity or individual
BP: Uncontrollable obsessions and behaviors

Question 5

Explain the pathological view for para-social relationships and celebrity worship

Answer 5

Absorption - Addiction Model + Attachment Style
Absorption Addiction Model explains how para-social relationships become abnormal - association between poorer mental health and strength of parasocial relationships
Attachment Style proposes that insecure resistant attachment leads to increased interest in celebrities - lack of risk of rejection

Question 6

Distinguish how likely each attachment style is to form para-social relationships

Answer 6

Insecure resistant: Most likely -> concern that others will not reciprocate desire for relationship
Insecure avoidant: least likely -> find it difficult to develop relationships (real nor fictious)
Secure: Not likely -> satisfactory real life relationships