Attachment Theory Explanation

• Research in support of The Attachment Theory Explanation?


  COHEN

  • gave questionnaires to Israeli pps to see how they would feel if their favourite TV character was taken off air
• COHEN research findings?


  Their negative reactions resembled those that people experience at the end of 'real' relationships, and of greatest relevance was that most the most negative responses were obtained from pps with RESISTANT ATTACHMENTS
• For those with INSECURE ATTACHMENT TYPES.....?


  A parasocial relationship offers far less risk than a genuine relationship

  • a parasocial relationship is ONE SIDED so there is far less chance of criticism , demand, rejection, disappointment, relationship failure
• Insecure-resistant?


  most likely to form parasocial relationships
• Why are insecure-resistant most likely to form parasocial relationships?


  they have concern that others will not reciprocate their desire for intimacy

  • they turn to TV characters to satisfy their "unrealistic and often UNMET relational needs"
• Insecure AVOIDANT?


  less likely to form parasocial relationships
• WHat do insecure avoidant people find it hard to do?


  develop relationships and therefore are less likely to seek them from real or fictional people

  BUT Have potentially experienced rejection so may seek a relationship where this does not exist
• Secure attachment?


  • not likely to form parasocial relationships
  • often have satisfactory real-life relationships and do not seek as addiction relationship with a celebrity