The social psychological explanation for the attraction of celebrities
- Created by: Molly Byrne
- Created on: 03-01-14 11:35
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- Social psychological - attraction of celebs!
- Parasocial relationships
- A relationship in which an individual is attracted to another, but the target individual is usually unaware of the existence of the person who has created the relationship.
- Common amongst celebs and their fans.
- Some favour this relationship as it makes few demands and doesn't run the risk of rejection.
- Schippa et al 2007 - relationships are most likely to occur with TV celebs who are seen as attractive or similar to the viewer.
- Derrick et al 2008 - Those with low self esteem saw their favourite celeb as their ideal self.
- Evaluation
- Parasocial relationships are commonly believed to be dysfunctional but no evidence to support this.
- Social benefits are offered by parasocial relationships.
- Maltby et al 2005 - found a link with adolescents females, poor body image and parasocial relationships with celebs that are slim.
- The absorption addiction
- McCutheon et al 2002 - some individuals with compromised identity become absorbed in celebs in order to establish their own identity and lack of meaningful relationships in real life.
- Giles and Maltby 2006 - outline three levels in this process.
- 1. Entertainment social - fan is attracted to the celeb as a source of entertainment
- 2. Intense personal - fan has intense and compulsive feelings about the celeb.
- 3. Boderline pathological - uncontrollable fantasy or behaviour re a celeb and belief of a real relationship.
- Evaluation
- Interaction with celeb determined the effect of body image (Maltby).
- Parasocial relationships
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