Loneliness and depression and their relation to parasocial interaction

This research attempted to ascertain which individuals may enter into a parasocial interaction (PI). Specifically, loneliness, depression, types of television programs watched and uses and gratifications were studied for their relationship to PI. 226 questionnaires were distributed to college students. These questionnaires included a PI scale used by Rubin and others, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Depression scale from the Center of Epidemiological Studies, demographic information and items that suggest specific uses and gratifications and which programs the respondent viewed.

It was found that loneliness, and type of program viewed had virtually no relationships to PI. Depression exhibited a significant but not meaningful relationship. However, while the original hypothesis that passive viewing would be related to PI was rejected, active uses of television seemed to be a significant predictor.

This study also found a three factor solution for the PI scale, as opposed to the one factor solution found in other studies. These factors were called, guidance, attraction and companionship, which research shows are the three of the primary characteristics of a friendship. Prior research suggests that individuals derive the most value from a companionship type friendship. This study found that the guidance factor of PI was most related to depression and uses and gratifications.

It was concluded that a PI is not a type of friendship at all. One can attain guidance from friends or non-friends. Previous research suggests that PI is a one-way friendship between the viewer and the media persona. This research suggests that PI is not a friendship in any meaningful manner. A reexamination of the concept of PI was suggested.