parasocial

• Bowlby’s attachment theory may be a better explanation for the development of pathological traits in parasocial relationships, compared to the absorption-addiction model. This is because the latter model accurately describes the acquirement and maintenance of parasocial relationships (i.e. in terms of the initial absorption and then consequent addiction to fulfill the original desires), whereas Bowlby’s attachment theory can explain why some people are more likely to begin parasocial relationships than others. Therefore, Bowlby’s attachment theory has a greater practical explanatory value.
• different psychological states are associated with each of the three stages of parasocial relationship formation,suggested by Maltby (2003). eg. the borderline-psychotic stage is associated with psychotic traits, whilst the 2nd stage associated with neuroticism. + previous evidence found positive correlation between increasing body dissatisfaction and an increasing likelihood of developing a parasocial relationship, supports idea that abnormal psychological functioning is heavily implicated in formation of para relationships. in line with McCutcheon’s original theory, increasing validity.
• The fact that parasocial relationships appear to be universal across all cultures in some form suggests there may also have an evolutionary basis for their existence. Other research studies have linked levels of education to be a factor as low levels of education have been linked with high levels of fandom towards celebrities. McCutcheon (2004) argued intelligence was a factor for this as more highly intelligent people were better able to see the inadequacies of worshipping media personalities hence they were less likely to do so.