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This section summarizes each major subsection that is elaborated in the literature review of this research study. Key findings include cues that make parasocial relationships stronger, the historical context of this topic, and parasocial breakups within TV.
This section summarizes each major subsection that is elaborated in the literature review of this research study. Key findings include cues that make parasocial relationships stronger, the historical context of this topic, and parasocial breakups within TV.
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What is the historical significance of parasocial relationships?
What is the historical significance of parasocial relationships?
This section summarizes the past 67 years of research on parasocial relationships, putting into context the signifigance of these relationships today. Based on research by Horton and Wohl, parasocial relationships were first studied to understand the nature of emotional interaction with fictional and nonfictional characters, and why people were so moved by characters they had never interacted with in real life. Horton and Wohl studied this phenomenon when they noticed people emotionally connecting to other people they had never met such as through news show hosts, and characters within plays. This section summarizes this phenomenon and how it has been researched in the past, and how it has evolved over time.
Parasocial relationships can be stronger based on certain tendencies from the performer, or biases from the viewer.
Parasocial relationships can be stronger based on certain tendencies from the performer, or biases from the viewer.
The emotion felt in parasocial relationships are undeniable. Researchers have determined viewers are often in a parasocial relationship because they enjoy the character portrayed (Baldwin & Raney, 2021). However, what makes one stronger and more intense? Researchers have analyzed these relationships and determined with the help of the EPSI scale that the use of the fourth wall break, and the realness and attractiveness of a performer, makes a parasocial relationship stronger. Dibble, Hartmann & Rosen (2016) examined what cues the performer does that makes the viewers more engaged and emotionally connected to them.
Image from The Indian Express
Image from PitchLab
Another factor of parasocial relationship tendencies, is cues from the viewer themself. Often in the field of parasocial relationships, when studying the cues that make one stronger, the emotional statuses of the viewer also play a role in what kinds of PSR they are engaged in (Chory-Assad & Yanen, 2005). Chory-Assad & Yanen’s research assessed if the degree of ‘loneliness’ and ‘hopelessness’ of a viewer within a parasocial relationship, had impact among the intensity of said relationship. This is an area that has been studied little in the past, however there are few sources in which it is studied. This area of research is necessary because if there is something that will make a PSR more intense, then perhaps the PSB will be as well (Lather & Moyer-Guse, 2011).
Parasocial relationships and breakups are put into play in this research through the exploration of TV characters and shows.
Parasocial relationships and breakups are put into play in this research through the exploration of TV characters and shows.
Everybody has their own beloved parasocial relationship that is dear to them, but what happens when that relationship ends? Previous studies presented that the emotional distress that follows a parasocial breakup, is like those experienced in a romantic breakup (Cohen, 2003). Research also suggested that people going through parasocial breakups due to the death of a character go through the five stages of grief (Kretz, 2020). Responses to parasocial breakups have never been identical, but this displayed how people cope with loss in their own ways, just like the loss of a real-life interpersonal relationship (Daniel & Westerman, 2017). Popular streaming shows and films have been studied to better understand parasocial breakups within entertainment, such as Harry Potter, Greys Anatomy, and Friends (Kretz, 2020; Schmid & Klimmt, 2010; Eyal & Cohen, 2006; Holladay & Edgar, 2019). Through case studies of each of these TV shows and film series, each breakup is different in its own sense. Whether it is a breakup due to the death of a character or a breakup due to the cancellation of a show, viewers will revert to coping mechanisms similar to that of a real life-loss. Knowing the intensity of these relationships, the emotional responses to their endings can be even greater.
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Summary
Summary
Overall, the idea of parasocial relationships and parasocial breakups can be seen as legitimate, as they each assimilate features of a real-life interpersonal relationship. They exhibit similar features such as response to loss which is the stages of grief, initial emotional reactions, and coping mechanisms to deal with the pain. There are many factors that influence the intensity of one of these relationships, and those factors can come from the viewer's bias, or the performer's characteristics. All these factors that influenced the parasocial relationship are all necessary to keep in mind when proceeding forward in this research.
Research Gap
Research Gap
Throughout my research I have identified an area that has seldom been researched in the parasocial field. One increasing mass medium of today's society that has not been covered at all is the idea of binge watching. Holladay & Edgar (2019) briefly mentioned the idea of binge watching and how it affects parasocial breakups. They concluded that it has little to no effect even though there was barely any evidence to suggest so. Ferchuad, Yan, & Daniel (2022) also questioned this idea of binge watching and its effect on parasocial relationships. Through a survey questionnaire, they determined that binge watching has no effect on parasocial relationships, parasocial breakups, or narrative engagement. However, this is a crucial gap in research because I feel little to no remorse for something that I havent lost, since I can just rewatch it on Netflix. This is an area that I think needs to be further examined and discover how this influences parasocial breakups.
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