Understanding Parasocial Relationships
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
ISBN: 978 1 03535 593 8
Order with discount code: PARA50
In this state-of-the art volume she explains the psychology of media audiences in a style as scholarly as it is accessible, informed by her years of work studying fans and related phenomena. –David Giles, University of Winchester, UK
190 pages
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.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Parasocial: What is it and how does it work?
Chapter 2: The History of Parasocial Theory
Chapter 3: Parasocial Relationships and Theories of Development
Chapter 4: Carl Jung, the Lifespan and PSRs
Chapter 5: The Parasocial Contact Hypothesis and Other Theoretical Lenses For Looking at Parasocial Theory
Chapter 6: Celebrity, Social Media, and Para-Communication
Chapter 7: Relating PSRs to Diversity
Chapter 8: Fan Studies Compared to the study of Parasocial Theory
Chapter 9: Negative parasocial relationships, Anti-fans, and the darker side of mediated relationships
Chapter 10: Parasocial breakup (PSB)
Chapter 11: Books and Audiobooks: PSRs without the visual element
Chapter 12: Social Media Influencers and PSRs
Chapter 13: Parasocial Relationships in Your Own Life