Clarifying the Role of Attachment and Social Compensation on Parasocial Relationships with Television Characters

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey (N = 371) addressed inconsistent findings in previous research regarding the associations between attachment dimensions, social compensation variables (Loneliness, Need to Belong, Social Anxiety), and parasocial relationships. The study disentangled parasocial relationship from parasocial interaction through more careful measurement and investigated parasocial relationships with both liked and disliked television characters. Data revealed associations between parasocial relationships, social compensation variables, and attachment dimensions, but associations differed based on whether the participant referred to a liked or disliked television character. The strength of parasocial relationships with disliked characters was influenced by the interaction of social compensation and attachment dimensions, whereas for liked characters these variables were associated at the main effect level.

Keywords:

• Attachment
• Loneliness
• Need to Belong
• Parasocial Relationship
• Social Anxiety

Notes

1. Although they were primarily recovering Horton and Wohl’s original ideas about PSI and PSR, Hartmann and Goldhoorn (2011) devised the label experience of parasocial interaction (EPSI) to help researchers keep the concepts clear. Because our current focus is PSR and not PSI, we will leave interested readers to discover this very helpful clarification of parasocial interaction and the warrant for the label EPSI.