Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Parasocial Interactions (PSI) and Parasocial Relationships (PSR) may have the capacity to act as an extension of and supplement for healthy social interaction (Elvery, 2021). In some instances, PSI and PSR may even be used as a means to improve unfulfilled social needs and decrease feelings of loneliness (Jarzyna, 2021). It has been noted that digital media such as video games may produce parasocial encounters that are particularly unique, as they often simulate realistic, back-and-forth social interactions between users and a virtual agent (Elvery, 2022; Hartmann, 2008). The present study observed PSR formation between players and a non-player character (NPC) companion in the context of a video game designed exclusively for the purposes of the research. Specifically, this study intended to better understand the socioemotional outcomes associated with varying degrees of NPC presence and attachment.

Year manuscript completed

2026

Year degree awarded

2026

Author's Keywords

State Loneliness, Parasocial Interaction, Parasocial Relationships, Video Games, Non-Player Characters, Emotional Affect

Degree Awarded

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

College/School

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Thesis Advisor

Sean Rife

Committee Chair

Sean Rife

Committee Member

Jana Hackathorn

Committee Member

Patrick Cushen

Committee Member

Warren Edminster

Document Type

Thesis

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