parasocial relationships

What is a para social relationship ?

A para social relationship may in some instances resemble a ‘normal’ relationship but are one sided and unreciprocated.

They are usually with celebrities and fans as who spend a lot of time and commitment on their relationship.

What are the 3 levels of a paradoxical relationship and who defined them ?

Horton and Wohl (1969)

Entertainment- social

Intense- personal

Borderline- pathological

Define entertainment- social

Least intense level

Celebs reviewed as a source of entertainment and a tool for social interactions.

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

define the intense- personal level

Greater personal Involvement with the celeb

More checking of social media

Define the borderline- pathological stage

Strongest level of celeb worship

Features uncontrollable fantasies and extreme behaviours

Spending large amounts of money or doing illegal acts

Discuss the absorption addiction model

McCutheon (2002) linked the levels approach to the deficiencies people have in their own lives:

• low self esteem + lack of fulfilment in everyday relationships

• personal crisis may trigger a more intense involvement in someone who initially had a entertainment social level

• parasocial relationship offer an escape from reality

Define absorption as a component of the absorption addiction model.

Seeking fulfilment in celeb worship motivates an individual to focus their attention on the celeb= they become preoccupied with the celeb and identify with them.