Understanding parasocial relationships / Gayle S. Stever (professor of psychology, social and behavioral sciences, Empire State University of New York, USA).

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stever, Gayle S., author.

Contributor:

Edward Elgar Publishing, publisher.

Series:

Understanding

Understanding series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mass media--Psychological aspects.

Mass media.

Communication--Psychological aspects.

Communication.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (186 pages).

Place of Publication:

Northampton : Edward Elgar Publishing, 2026.

Summary:

"This insightful book provides a detailed explanation of the definitions, applications and relevance of parasocial relationships in contemporary society. Gayle Stever outlines the extensive history of parasocial studies and analyses core psychological principles surrounding the subject, including psychological, developmental and attachment theories. Informed by Horton and Wohl's seminal article in 1956 and the research of Jung, Allport, Erikson and Tajfel, chapters explore parasocial theory in social media, fandoms, diverse populations and various media formats. Stever focuses in particular on the role of the celebrity in parasocial communication and how parasocial theory relates to social media influencers. The book investigates the potential negative sides of parasocial relationships, including anti-fandom, while also assessing the positive and personal applications of parasocial theory to people's daily lives. Understanding Parasocial Relationships is a valuable resource for students and scholars of media, psychology, communication, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies and business. Its evaluation of the psychology of audience reactions will also benefit journalists and researchers interested in media, celebrity and fandom"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Contents: Introduction to understanding parasocial relationships

1. Parasocial: What is it and how does it work?

2. The history of parasocial theory

3. Parasocial relationships and theories of development

4. Carl Jung, the lifespan and PSRs

5. The parasocial contact hypothesis and other theoretical lenses for looking at parasocial theory

6. Celebrity, social media, and para-communication

7. Relating PSRs to diversity

8. Fan studies compared to the study of parasocial theory

9. Negative parasocial relationships, anti-fans, and the darker side of mediated relationships

10. Parasocial breakup (PSB)

11. Books and audiobooks: PSRs without the visual element

12. Social media influencers and PSRs

13. Parasocial relationships in your own life.

Notes:

Description based on print record.

ISBN:

9781035355945 (e-book)

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.