Gayle S. Stever, Ph. D.

Parasocial Experiences: Psychological Theory and Application
by David C. Giles and Gayle S. Stever

Release date: October 25, 2024
280 pages
Oxford University Press
Hardcover $99 (order for $69.30 from https://global.oup.com/academic with promotion code ASPROMP8)

This book covers key aspects of parasocial relationships (PSRs), or the relationships people have with media personalities, including fictional characters. The principal feature of a PSR is that it is not individually reciprocated although when the parasocial object is a real person, usually a celebrity, that celebrity often has a reciprocal relationship with their audience as a group.

The authors begin by addressing the many instances where relationships exist in a gray area that is neither fully social and reciprocated nor parasocial and non-reciprocated. In describing parasocial experience, the authors address social relationships vs. parasocial relationships as a continuum rather than a dichotomy. They also discuss prominent theories in psychology and how they should be applied to parasocial theory, as well as psychoanalytic theory and the role of the unconscious in parasocial relationships. This is followed by chapters on applications of evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and the effects of social media on PSRs, particularly a very new social media service, Cameo.

Through a meaningful exploration of social theories as they influence parasocial experiences, this book unveils areas for future study and opens up pathways for new, more sophisticated research.

Gayle S. Stever is Professor of Psychology at Empire State University of New York. She has worked in the field of media psychology since 1988, with a focus on the study of celebrities and their fans in parasocial relationships. Her publications include The Psychology of Celebrity (2018) and Understanding Media Psychology (2021), as well as articles and book chapters in the areas of parasocial theory and fan studies. She is an associate editor of the journal Psychology of Popular Media.

David C. Giles is Reader in Psychology at the University of Winchester. His work explores the parasocial relationships between audiences (users of media) and the full diversity of people and characters they encounter in media (media figures). His 2002 paper on parasocial interaction published in Media Psychology has been cited more than 1,500 times, and he has authored and coauthored several books on psychology and the media.

Understanding Media Psychology

by Gayle S. Stever, David C. Giles, J. David Cohen, and Mary E. Myers

Understanding Media Psychology is the perfect introductory textbook to the growing field of media psychology and its importance in society, summarizing key concepts and theories to provide an overview of topics in the field.

Media is present in almost every area of life today, and is an area of study that will only increase in importance as the world becomes ever more interconnected. Written by a team of expert authors, this book will help readers to understand the structures, influences and theories around media psychology. Covering core areas such as positive media psychology, the effects of gaming, violence, advertising and pornography, the authors critically engage with contemporary discussions around propaganda, fake news, deep fakes, and the ways media have informed the COVID-19 pandemic. Particular care is also given to addressing the interaction between issues of social justice and the media, as well as the effects media has on both the members of marginalized groups and the way those groups are perceived. A final chapter addresses the nature of the field moving forward, and how will continue to interact with closely related areas of study.

Containing a range of pedagogical features are present throughout to aid teaching and student learning, including vocabulary and key terms, discussion questions, and boxed examples, this is an essential resource for media psychology courses at undergraduate and introductory master’s level globally.

Review by Grant J. Rich, Ph.D. published in The Amplifier Magazine (Society for Media Psychology & Technology, Division 46 of the American Psychological Association):   “Media Psychology Arrives!”

Why are we fascinated by celebrities we’ve never met? What is the difference between fame and celebrity? How has social media enabled a new wave of celebrities?

The Psychology of Celebrity explores the origins of celebrity culture, the relationships celebrities have with their fans, how fame can affect celebrities, and what shapes our thinking about celebrities we admire. The book also addresses the way in which the media has been and continues to be an outlet for celebrities, culminating in the role of social media, reality television, and technology in our modern society.

Drawing on research featuring real life celebrities from the Kardashians to Michael Jackson, The Psychology of Celebrity shows us that celebrity influence can have both positive and negative outcomes and the impact these can have on our lives.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Social Science Theories
Chapter 3: Celebrity vs. Fame
Chapter 4: Challenges of Life as a Celebrity
Chapter 5: Celebrities and Fans
Chapter 6: The 21st Century/Social Media

Publisher: Routledge
Series: The Psychology of Everything
Edition: First Edition
Copyright: 2018
Pages : 122 pages (paperback)
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.2 x 7.8 inches (paperback)
ISBN 9780815369561 (paperback)
Price: $15.95 (paperback)

BISAC Subject Codes/Headings:
PSY031000PSYCHOLOGY / Social Psychology

More information about this book from the publisher

More about the Psychology of Everything series