R/SHIPS ( PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS) Flashcards
Define parasocial relationships
An individual is attracted to another person ( usually a celebrity) ,who is usually unaware of their existence
Outline the 3 levels identified in the Absorption addiction model
Entertainment social - Intense level of celebrity worship. Celebrities viewing as a source of entertainment and fuel for social interaction eg. watching , reading about them.
Intense- parasocial - deeper level of involvement and reflects intensive and compulsive feelings about the celebrity. eg. considering Kim Kardashian as a soulmate
Borderline pathological - This is the strongest level of celebrity worship featuring uncontrollable fantasies and extreme behaviours. May spend a large amount of money on a celebrity related object or may be willing to perform an illegal act.
Outline the absorption-addiction model
Explains the tendency to form parasocial relationships in terms of deficiencies people have in their lives. Lack of fulfilment and a weak sense of self identity may lead to forming a parasocial relationship.
Absorption : Seeking fullfilment in celebrity worship motivates the individual to focus their attention as far as possible on the celebrity
Addiction : just as with an addiction to an addiction to a substance , the individual needs to sustain their commitment to the relationship by feeling a stronger and closer involvement with the celebrity . This may lead to more extreme behaviours and delusional thinking.
Outline the attachment theory explanation of parasocial relationships
Parasocial relationships may be a result of attachment difficulties in early childhood ( bowlby suggests they lead to emotional troubles). Ainsworth identified 2 attachment types that may be related to parasocial relationships - insecure resistant( most likely as they have unfulfilled needs met) and insecure avoidant. Most likely
Evaluate Parasocial relationships
Point : Support for the absorption addiction model
Evidence : Maltby et al investigated the link between celeb worship and body image in males and females aged 14-16
Explanation : Females who were reporting an intense-personal parasocial relationship with a females celeb who’s body shape was admired were of particular interest.
Findings : females tended to have poor body image speculated to lead to disordered eating. There was a correlation between the level of celeb worship and poor psychological functioning.
Point : Problems with attachment theory
Evidence : McHutcheon measured attachment types and celeb related attitudes in 299 ppts.
Explanation : Found that ppts with insecure attachments were more likely to form parasocial relationships with celebrities than ppts with a secure attachment. This fails to support the prediction
Point : Metholodogical issues
Explanation : Self report ( questionnaires ) number of effects can be bias to enhance social status. Correlational analysis concludes that an intense personal parasocial relationship cause young women to have a poor body image is unwarranted ( can’t establish cause and effect)
Validity : lacks longitudinal research
