The Oxford Handbook of Parasocial Experiences

Description

The Oxford Handbook of Parasocial Experiences examines how audiences psychologically relate to people they see in the media. Specifically, the term Parasocial Experiences (PSEs) is used to refer to parasocial relationships (PSRs) and parasocial internactions (PSIs). This Handbook offers a thorough synthesis of the fast-growing, international, and multidisciplinary research of PSEs, celebrating the field's accomplishments to date but also outlining a blueprint for future growth. The book is organized in six sections covering: (1) theoretical, conceptual, and operational definitions of PSEs; (2) theoretical models and state-of-the-art review of research on PSEs across the lifespan; (3) the effects of PSEs on media users' self and their social life; (3) the effects of PSEs in various contexts such as health, politics, and marketing; and (4) identifying understudied areas of research that call for further investigation such as comparative cross-cultural research. Across the thematic chapters, the authors debate several overarching critical theoretical issues in PSEs research, such as the boundaries between parasocial and social phenomena and the distinctions between PSEs and other forms of involvement with media. The book also includes a hands-on methodological chapter that provides detailed information about measurement and manipulation of PSEs. Offering state-of-the-art research in the field written by leading scholars, The Oxford Handbook of Parasocial Experiences is crucial reading for anyone interested in this new area of study. Cover The Oxford Handbook of Parasocial Experiences Copyright Table of Contents Contributors Introduction: A Look Forward on Parasocial Experience Research Part I Ontology and Epistemology of Parasocial Experiences 1. The History and Scope of Parasocial Research 2. Defining Parasocial Relationship Experiences 3. Three Conceptual Challenges to Parasocial Interaction: Anticipated Responses, Implicit Address, and the Interactivity Problem 4. Methods and Measures in Investigating PSEs Part II PS Initiation, Development, and Termination 5. Initiation and Evolution of PSRs 6. Parasocial Relationship Dissolution and Deterioration Part III PSR Across the Life Span 7. Parasocial Relationships in Children 8. PSRs in Adolescence 9. PSRs in Adults and Older Adults Part IV Applications of PS Experiences to Self and Social Life 10. The Social Context of PSRs 11. How Parasocial Relationships Affect Our Self-​Concepts 12. Effects of Parasocial Experiences on Intergroup Relationships 13. PS and Identity Among LGBTQ Media Users Part V PS Experiences in Persuasion and Strategic Communication 14. Effects of Parasocial Experiences on Health Outcomes 15. Parasocial Experiences in the Political Arena 16. Effects of Parasocial Experiences With Spokespersons on Consumer Behavior Part VI Agenda for Future PS Research 17. Beyond Friendship: A Call for Research on Non-​amicable Parasocial Relationships 18. Parasocial Experiences as a Function of Racial and Ethnic Identity 19. Cultural Perspective: A Call for Comparative Research Index