Parasocial Experiences

This week's review dives into parasocial relationships and attachment.

Posted on December 29, 2025 in Reviews of the Month

Parasocial Experiences: Psychological Theory and Application

Giles, David. by David C. Giles and Gayle S. Stever Oxford, 2024
280p bibl index, 9780197647646 $99.00, 9780197647653

People often form parasocial relationships with individuals and characters in media that resemble real-life relationships, with the key distinction of the other party not reciprocating interactions. David Giles (Univ. of Winchester) and Gayle Stever (Empire State Univ. of New York) review theories and research from psychology, sociology, and communication studies to explain parasocial relationships and experiences. For example, the authors draw upon evolutionary psychology to suggest that humans have an innate drive to form relationships, and parasocial connections may develop to satisfy this psychological need. Attachment and psychoanalytic theories are employed to describe why people bond with a person or character to establish a sense of security. Discussions about how the media landscape (e.g., social media, Cameo) has influenced the field, as celebrities now have the ability to reciprocate interactions, are also included. The work contains newer areas of research such as parasocial perceptions as well as interviews with celebrities. This book serves as an excellent introduction for those interested in parasocial experiences, written in an accessible and engaging style.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.
Reviewer: S. Reysen, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Subject: Social & Behavioral Sciences – Psychology
Choice Issue: May 2025

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