Maltreatment, Attachment, and Parasocial Interactions

• In Event: Examining the Establishment of Media-Based Relationships

Abstract

This investigation interviewed 74 maltreated and non-maltreated children (6-16) about their parasocial interactions. The results suggested that children avoidant in their attachment were the least likely to have parasocial interactions, anxiously attached the most likely and securely attached in the middle. A research question investigated motivations for these relationships and found that affect, companionship and boredom were the most common reasons. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Authors

• Sarah Rosaen, Michigan State University

• Stacy L Smith, Univ of Southern California

• John Sherry, Michigan State University