Parasocial Relationships and Attachment
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Psychology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Humanities
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Esther Malm
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Parasocial Relationships and Attachment
With the growing popularity of social media and technology, research on parasocial relationships has increased. Parasocial relationships are defined as one-sided emotional attachments that individuals form with media figures, celebrities, and or fictional characters. Attachment styles are defined as the characteristic way that individuals relate to others in the context of intimate relationships. In which, one can have an insecure or secure attachment style. Prior research has shown that individuals that are lonely and/or highly anxious are more likely to develop and have significant parasocial relationships. Previous research findings suggest that insecure attachment styles are strong predictors of an individual attaching to their favorite celebrity, media figure, or fictional character through parasocial interaction by focusing on the strength and creation of said relationship. Both TikTok and Youtube have allowed many content creators to become sensationalized and many even have large fandoms, go on tours, and sell merchandise. Youtube and TikTok celebrities, or real-content celebrities, are oftentimes more easily relatable because part of their success is gained by trying to relate to their fans unlike other celebrities, and this relatability can help to facilitate parasocial relationships. The purpose of this current study is to take a closer look at the relationship between the attachment style of the individual and the perceived attachment style of the celebrity, and/or media figures that they have bonded with. We hypothesize that individuals with insecure attachment styles will form significant parasocial relationships with celebrities, media figures, and/or fictional characters. Additionally, we also hypothesize that individuals with insecure attachment styles will form significant parasocial relationships with real-content (Youtube and TikTok) celebrities. Finally, we hypothesize individuals with insecure attachment styles will form significant parasocial relationships with celebrities, media figures, and/or fictional characters who appear to exhibit the same attachment style. The results of this study can help to identify the impact of parasocial relationships on people with insecure attachment, the impact of social media on attachment and relationships, and the importance of fictional characters in people’s lives. Results will be presented at scholars' week although data collection is ongoing.
Keywords: Parasocial Relationships, Attachment Style
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Parasocial Relationships and Attachment
Parasocial Relationships and Attachment
With the growing popularity of social media and technology, research on parasocial relationships has increased. Parasocial relationships are defined as one-sided emotional attachments that individuals form with media figures, celebrities, and or fictional characters. Attachment styles are defined as the characteristic way that individuals relate to others in the context of intimate relationships. In which, one can have an insecure or secure attachment style. Prior research has shown that individuals that are lonely and/or highly anxious are more likely to develop and have significant parasocial relationships. Previous research findings suggest that insecure attachment styles are strong predictors of an individual attaching to their favorite celebrity, media figure, or fictional character through parasocial interaction by focusing on the strength and creation of said relationship. Both TikTok and Youtube have allowed many content creators to become sensationalized and many even have large fandoms, go on tours, and sell merchandise. Youtube and TikTok celebrities, or real-content celebrities, are oftentimes more easily relatable because part of their success is gained by trying to relate to their fans unlike other celebrities, and this relatability can help to facilitate parasocial relationships. The purpose of this current study is to take a closer look at the relationship between the attachment style of the individual and the perceived attachment style of the celebrity, and/or media figures that they have bonded with. We hypothesize that individuals with insecure attachment styles will form significant parasocial relationships with celebrities, media figures, and/or fictional characters. Additionally, we also hypothesize that individuals with insecure attachment styles will form significant parasocial relationships with real-content (Youtube and TikTok) celebrities. Finally, we hypothesize individuals with insecure attachment styles will form significant parasocial relationships with celebrities, media figures, and/or fictional characters who appear to exhibit the same attachment style. The results of this study can help to identify the impact of parasocial relationships on people with insecure attachment, the impact of social media on attachment and relationships, and the importance of fictional characters in people’s lives. Results will be presented at scholars' week although data collection is ongoing.
Keywords: Parasocial Relationships, Attachment Style