Effect of Gender and Attachment Styles on the Formation of Parasocial Rleationships

Abstract

New streaming services, social media platforms, and advances in talk and text are constantly developing in society today. The constant addition to new technological outlets creates a larger platform for viewers to watch and follow their favorite celebrity, television character, or influencers whenever they want. The researchers chose to investigate how a person’s attachment style affects both the likelihood and severity of forming a parasocial relationship with their favorite celebrity or T.V. personality. Specifically, the researchers explored the effect both gender and experiences affect this connection. Participants of the study attend a Lutheran, faith-based institution of college education in an urban area of the Midwestern United States. The study thoroughly addressed the relationship between the attachment styles and their likelihood of forming a one-sided relationship with someone they may have never met.