Abstract
Abstract This chapter discusses how children develop parasocial relationships (PSRs) with media figures and the effects of these experiences within young and middle childhood. First, the chapter reviews research on the characteristics of children’s PSRs: When and with whom do children form PSRs? What attracts children to particular media figures? How and when do children terminate their PSRs and move to other ones? Then, the chapter discusses educational and social–emotional effects that PSRs have on children, from examining the effect of educational programs such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood on emotional development to experimental research on how manipulation of a PSR with a novel cartoon character can promote academic gains.
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