Attachment theory explanation

Cards (7)

  • 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