| Type of Document |
Master's Thesis |
| Author |
Henry, Nicole Webb
|
| Author's Email Address |
nhenry2@lsu.edu |
| URN |
etd-11102011-154243 |
| Title |
Celebrity Versus Non-Celebrity: Parasocial Relationships with Characters in Reality-Based Television Programs |
| Degree |
Master of Mass Communication (M.M.C.) |
| Department |
Mass Communication |
| Advisory Committee |
| Advisor Name |
Title |
| Sanders, Meghan |
Committee Chair |
| Izard, Ralph |
Committee Member |
| Sullivan, Jas |
Committee Member |
|
| Keywords |
- reality television
- parasocial relationships
- moral disengagement
|
| Date of Defense |
2011-11-02 |
| Availability |
unrestricted |
Abstract
Research of parasocial relationships suggests that audiences engage in one-sided relationships with their favorite personae in the media. This study attempts to explore two types of reality stars: those who had fame before being on reality television and those who have fame because of the show. Using the PSR-Processing Scale, I compared levels of parasocial interactions for each, as well how moral disengagement might play a role for each type of reality star. I also explored whether these parasocial relationships are influenced by the frequency with which respondents watch various types of sub-genres of reality-based programs (i.e. game docs, dating shows, documentary soap operas). To measure levels of parasocial relationships, moral disengagement, media consumption, and reality television viewing habits, I administered an online survey to 244 students at a large southern university. Results show that respondents’ parasocial relationships and degree of moral disengagement with their favorite celebrity and non-celebrity on reality shows are influenced by the type of sub-genres of the reality-based programs (i.e. game docs, dating shows, documentary soap operas).
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| Files |
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Approximate Download Time
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| 28.8 Modem |
56K Modem |
ISDN (64 Kb) |
ISDN (128 Kb) |
Higher-speed Access |
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HenryNicoleThesisPDF.pdf |
429.50 Kb |
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