parasocial relationships

Question 1

what is a para-social relationship?

Answer 1

these are one sided relationships where one person extends emotional energy, interest and time where the other party is completely unaware of the other’s existence.

Question 2

what is the CAS?

Answer 2

Maltby (2006) used the CELEBRITY ATTITUDE SCALE to identify 3 levels within para-social relationships.

Question 3

what are the three levels used in the CAS?

Answer 3

1. entertainment social
2. intense personal
3. borderline pathological

Question 4

what is the entertainment social level of the CAS?

Answer 4

It is the least intense level of celebrity worship. Celebrities viewing as sources of entertainment and fuel for social interaction, e.g. people who enjoy TV series might also read about them online.

Giles (2002) found that para-social relationships were a fruitful source of gossip in offices.

Question 5

what is the intense personal level of the CAS?

Answer 5

This is an intermediate level which reflects a greater personal involvement in a para-social relationship with a celeb.

Question 6

what is the borderline pathological level of the CAS?

Answer 6

This is the strongest level of celebrity worship, featuring uncontrollable fantasies and extreme behaviours.

They may spend a large sum of money on a celebrity related projects and may even be willing to do something illegal for them.

Question 7

what are explanations for par asocial relationships?

Answer 7

• absorption addiction model
• attachment theory

Question 8

explain the absorption addiction model as an explanation for psr’s.

Answer 8

States that PSR’s are an escape from life deficiencies like:
- Poor sense of identity.
- Poor psychological adjustment.
- Lack of fulfilment in life.

They allow an escape from reality to seek fulfilment.

Question 9

what are the absorption and addiction component of the AAM?

Answer 9

Absorption:
An individual seeks fulfilment in a celebrity, becoming preoccupied with them. They want to absorb some of what they lack, e.g. beauty and then start to identify with them.

Addiction:
The individual needs to increase their involvement to gain satisfaction. This could lead to extreme behaviours like delusional thinking, e.g. stalking.

Question 10

what is the attachment theory as an explanation for psr’s?

Answer 10

Bowlby suggest that early relationship difficulties can lead to emotional troubles later in life.

Ainsworth’s ‘insecure attachments’ link to PSR.
Insecure-resistant: want their needs met where there is no threat of rejection (most likely to form PSR).

Insecure avoidant: avoid the pain of any rejection in any type of relationship.