Examining the Relationship between Parasocial Relationships and Personality Traits Among Emerging Adults

Abstract

Parasocial relationships (PSR) encompass deep-seated, one-sided interactions and intimate connections, individuals form with media figures where the latter is not aware of the former. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between personality traits, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism and PSRs among emerging adults (18-29 years), while also exploring the possible gender differences in the intensity of forming PSR. A sample of 222 participants were selected, with 57 males and 165 females. Data was collected using the Celebrity-Persona Parasocial Interaction Scale by Bocarnea & Brown (CPPI; 2007) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised Short Form by Eysenck, Eysenck & Barrett (EPQR-S; 1985). The findings revealed that PSR has significant but weak positive relationship with psychoticism, and none with extraversion and neuroticism. Gender differences were also observed with males having higher PSR than females.