Curt and Katie chat about parasocial relationships. We talk about what parasocial relationships (and break ups) are, who is most likely to engage in these relationships, and the positive and negative impacts of these one-sided relationships. We also look at how to use these relationships within therapy. This is a continuing education podcourse.
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In this podcast episode we talk about parasocial relationships
People develop relationships with celebrities, TV personalities, and others in the public eye. But do therapists assess the impact these relationships have on their clients and their mental health? This episode explores the ways that clients interact in one-sided relationships, the mental health benefits and drawbacks to engaging in these relationships, and ways for therapists to assess the potential impacts on client mental health and behavior.
What is a parasocial relationship?
One-sided relationships individuals have with celebrities and people who are well-known
These relationships are sometimes pursued by influencers that seem more two-sided than they actually are
There are multiple dimensions of parasociability
There are a number of different ways that you can have parasocial interactions (especially now within social media)
Are parasocial relationships normal and/or healthy?
These relationships are very normal
There are concerns related when these influencers use these relationships to get followers to purchase services or products
Slippage within boundaries for these relationships where the interactions feel more and more mutual, even if they are not
What are the positive effects of parasocial relationships?
When parasocial objects have a positive influence (like Popeye eating spinach)
Improving self-efficacy and empowerment
Representation and building confidence for the ability to create happy lives or have impact on the world
Mental health awareness
Building community, identifying with fandom, which improves relationship outcomes
What are the harmful effects of parasocial relationships?
Eating disorders and negative body image and unrealistic expectations
Using parasocial relationships as a brand of escapism
Parasocial objects seeking financial gain without considering the impacts on their fans, with fans purchasing products and services that are not good for them
Who is most likely to engage in parasocial relationships or interactions?
People with anxious ambivalent attachment styles and those who have slightly less secure than the most secure attachment styles
All ages and generations engage in these types of relationships
Folks with social anxiety are also more likely to have these parasocial relationships
Co-mediation with social media addiction
What impacts do parasocial breakups have on individuals?
Parasocial breakups can be bands breaking up, a celebrity reputation being negatively impacted, or a celebrity retiring or dying
When a celebrity dies, fans can have impacts on self-identity and can even bring forward thoughts around suicide (whether or not the celebrity died by suicide)
The negative impact of celebrities doing harmful or unacceptable things or taking advantage of their fans, who then have to deal with their absence because you don’t want to have the parasocial relationship with them anymore
How can parasocial relationships show up (and be utilized) in therapy?
How to help clients identify appropriate role models
Using parasocial relationships as practice for social relationships
Ask what content clients are consuming to identify what messages they are receiving
Get very direct: ask about all of the content they regularly consume
Look especially at the content or influencers talking about things relevant to their presenting problems
Explore how clients with social anxiety are interacting with potential parasocial relationships
Staying abreast of news stories related to parasocial objects
Listening for certain types of unhealthy messages (like toxic masculinity)
Helping to expand your clients’ critical thinking and influences in their lives
Understanding why they are choosing these relationships and the meaning they are making from them
Using these relationships as practice or places to seek self-awareness and insight, especially related to identity and values
Grief work when there are parasocial breakups
Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide
Who we are:
Curt Widhalm, LMFT
www.curtwidhalm.com
Katie Vernoy, LMFT
www.katievernoy.com