Parasocial relationships can be explained by attachment theory
Theories of attachment stem from research by bowlby who suggested people form close attahcments with their caregivers --> these bonds are how they attach to others in adulthood
Attachment theory suggests children who didn't form close attachments later develop insecure attachments as adults, more likely to be attracted to celebrities
Evidence for attachment theory in parasocial relationships
Roberts study support there is a link between childhood attachments and parasocial relationships.
Asked 200 Ps similar questions to McCutcheon et al
Positive correlation between insecure attachment and frequently contacting celebrities
Evidence against attachment theory in parasocial relationships
McCutcheon et al asked 250uni students to complete questionnaires examining personality types and their views of celebs
No correlation between insecure attachment and parasocial relationships
