Development of parasocial interaction relationships
Abstract
The parasocial interaction relationship development process was explored by applying principles of uncertainty reduction theory. Results suggested that parasocial relationship development follows a path from (a) social and task attraction to (b) parasocial interaction to (c) a sense of relationship importance. Length of exposure to the television character was not related to parasocial interaction in the path model. The study affirmed the contribution of interpersonal communication theories to understanding relationships people have with television personalities. Implications for future research were explored.
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The findings on H1a-H2b are consistent with prior research by Rubin et al. [55], Zheng et al. [76], and Houlberg [23].
“H1a–H2b are supported by Rubin et al. [55], Zheng et al. [76], and Houlberg [23], who emphasize attraction and social cues as key drivers of para-social interaction and emotional connection.”
From Effects of attractions and social attributes on peoples' usage intention and media dependence towards chatbot: The mediating role of parasocial interaction and emotional support (2025) · cites this paper as Rubin et al. [55]
Cites
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Attribution in Social and Parasocial Relationships
PERSE, E. M., & RUBIN, R. B. (1989) · Communication Research · doi:10.1177/009365089016001003 · Cited by 559 · see citing works
Self-citationExploring relationship development with social chatbots: A mixed-method study of replika
Pentina, I., Hancock, T., & Xie, T. (2023) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2022.107600 · Cited by 522 · see citing works
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Friend-zone with benefits: the parasocial advertising of Kim Kardashian
Lueck, J. A. (2015) · Journal of Marketing Communications · doi:10.1080/13527266.2012.726235 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
Zhang, K., Xie, Y., Chen, D., Ji, Z., & Wang, J. (2025) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-025-03284-w · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Media marathoning through health struggles: filling a social reservoir.
Perks, L. G. (2019) · Journal of Communication Inquiry · doi:10.1177/0196859918814826 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Dsouza, M. P., Shetty, A., D’Souza, S. E., Buthello, E., & Gudi, N. (2025) · Sage Open · doi:10.1177/21582440251318806 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Drawing parallels from the para-social interaction theory (Calvert, 2017; Giles, 2002; Rubin & McHugh, 1987), we argue that viewers tend to imitate the actions of the media character, in this case, the lo-fi girl.”
- Authors
- Rubin, R. B., & McHugh, M. P.
- Affiliations
- Kent State University (US)
- Sagamon State University
- Venue
- Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1987-06
- Volume
- 31
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 279-292
- ISSN
- 0883-8151 (ISSN-L)
- 1550-6878
- OpenAlex
- W2155618494
- Cited by
- 773
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 45 · 2025: 55 · 2024: 49 · 2023: 58 · 2022: 59 · 2021: 58 · 2020: 45 · 2019: 40 · 2018: 23 · 2017: 28 · 2016: 33 · 2015: 33 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 23 · 2012: 24
- FWCI
- 45.19
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Literature and Literary Theory › Media Influence and Health
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Media and Digital Communication
- Social Sciences › Communication › Media Studies and Communication
- Keywords
- parasocial relationships, uncertainty reduction theory, television personalities, relationship building, social attraction, task attraction, interpersonal communication, television exposure
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