Attachment theory explanation

• Links early attachment problems to paraasocial relationships
• Bowlby's attachment theory suggests that early difficulties in attachment may lead to difficulties in forming successful relationships later in life
• Such difficulties may lead to a preference for parasocial relationships to replace those within one's own social circle as parasocial relationships do not require the same social skills
• Insecure attachment types are linked to parasocial relationships
• Ainsworth identified two attachment types associated with unhealthy emotional development: insecure-resistant and insecure-avoidant
• Insecure-resistant types are most likely to form parasocial relationships because they want to have their unfulfilled needs met in a relationship where there is no real threat of rejection
• Insecure-avoidant types prefer to avoid the pain and rejection of any type of relationship, either social or parasocial