Zeimet, Cynthia (2025) Parasocial Relationships with Live Streamers: Effects of Attachment Insecurity and Perceived Streamer Responsiveness. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
In modern times, human social life happens offline as well as online. A special type of relationship that has seen an increase is the so-called parasocial relationship (PSRs) with live streamers. Live streaming has greatly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, offering more opportunities for relationships with these streamers. However, it remains unclear whether and how those specific PSRs serve the same function and offer similar benefits as offline relationships. The current study investigates whether and how attachment insecurity and perceived streamer responsiveness interactively affect a viewer’s commitment, needs fulfillment, and life satisfaction. To this end, 94 participants filled in an online questionnaire. Our findings revealed that there was an interaction effect between attachment insecurity and perceived streamer responsiveness on commitment and life satisfaction, but not on needs fulfillment. People reported stronger commitment and life satisfaction when they perceived stronger streamer responsiveness, but only if they were higher in attachment insecurity. For securely attached individuals, these effects were weaker or even negative. This implies that typical psychological factors are at work in PSRs with live streamers, but that responsive PSRs may be more beneficial for individuals with stronger insecure attachment. As such, PSRs may be beneficial and should not be stigmatized. Keywords: attachment insecurity, live streaming, parasocial relationships, responsiveness
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Zomeren, M. van |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Applied Social Psychology (ASP) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Jul 2025 08:29 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jul 2025 08:29 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5531 |
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