The attraction of the celebrity: sociocultural Flashcards
What are such explanations based on
SLT - celebs act as role models
Why might we imitate celebs
Belief that imitation will bring us same degree of attractiveness and success
What are parasocial relationships
Individual attracted to other, but other usually unaware of existence
What do PS relationships occur outside of
Individuals real network of friends
Why might PS relationships be appealing
Few demands
No risk of criticism/rejection
Who are people most likely to form a PS relationship with?
TV celebs - attractive and similar in some form to viewer (Shiappa meta analysis)
What is an important additional factor in the likelihood of a PS relationship?
Act in real/believable way so viewers can compare how they themselves would act
What is a common belief as to why PS relationships are formed?
Dysfunctional
Formed on basis of loneliness
What research was unsupportive of assertion PS relationships are formed on basis of loneliness?
Meta analysis - loneliness not a predictor of PS
People who form them are MORE socially motivated
What benefits might arise from PS relationships?
Social Benefits
Models of social behaviour and opp. to learn cultural values
What did a soap opera study find regarding PS benefits?
Exposed to same characters repeatedly - reduced uncertainty about IRL social relationships
What is the Absorption Addiction Model?
Most never go beyond simply admiring
Motivational forces may become addictive
Why might motivational forces behind admiration become addictive?
Extreme behaviours to sustain satisfaction with P/S relationship
How many levels in AAM
3
What are the 3 AAM Levels
Entertainment Social
Intense Personal
Borderline Pathological
What is the entertainment social
Perceived ability to entertain/become a source of social interaction and gossip
What is intense personal
Intensive/compulsive feelings about celeb e.g. fan fiction
What is borderline pathological?
Typified by uncontrollable behaviours and fantasies
Which stage might parasocial relationship go beyond at?
BP stage, person may feel relationship is real
What are the AO2 points for AAM
Link to Mental Health
Attachment Style and PS relationships
Experiments vs Self Report
Reductionist
What is link between AAM and mental health
Eyesneck Personality Questionnaire
IP level associated with Neuroticism
Neuroticism - anxiety and depression
What is link between attachment style and AAM
Anxious Ambivalent more likely to form PS relationships
Why are Anxious Ambivalent more likely to form PS relationships
Concern that others will not return desires. Celebs satisfies need for closeness w/o rejection
Attachment style where relationship is least likely?
Avoidant, who find intimate relations difficult
