The absorption-addiction model

• The absorption-addiction model (McCutcheon 2002)

  • The tendency to form parasocial relationships are due to deficiencies one has in their life I.e. a weak sense a self-identity.
  • Parasocial relationships allow people to escape reality or a way of finding a fulfilment that they can’t achieve in their actual relationships.
• This links to the three levels of parasocilaity since one may move up in parasociality through being triggered by a personal crisis or stressful life event.
• Absorption


  Seeking fulfilment in celebrity worship motivates individual to focus their attention as far as possible on the celebrity, to become pre-occupied in their existence and identify with them
• Addiction


  The individual needs to sustain their commitment to the relationship by feeling a stronger and closer involvement with the celebrity. May lead to more extreme behaviours and delusional thinking.

  e.g. stalking a celeb because you think they want to reciprocate your feelings but someone like their manager is stopping them