Parasocial Relationships (OCR A-Level Psychology): Flashcards

One-sided relationships with emotional investment; other person unaware

Make few demands, no risk of criticism or rejection

McCutcheon et al.

Least intense, fans watch/read for entertainment & gossip

Greater personal involvement, intensive & compulsive feelings

Most extreme, uncontrollable fantasies & extreme behaviours

PSRs develop due to deficiencies in own life (identity, fulfilment)

Seeking fulfilment through celebrity worship, preoccupied with them

Need to sustain relationship, more extreme behaviours & delusions

Infant attachment with caregivers influences later relationships

Most likely to form PSRs, seek closeness without rejection risk

Linked to celebrity stalking, seek approval from celebrities

Stalkers have history of failed relationships, supports Absorption-Addiction Model

Loneliness not a predictor of PSR formation

Stalkers had significantly more insecure attachment styles