COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Temilola Salami

TITLE: PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND COMPLEX TRAUMA AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INTERPERSONAL FACTORS

ABSTRACT: Exposure to repeated traumatic events, specifically interpersonal in nature, can increase both the need for interpersonal relationships and the challenges that arise within these relationships. Individuals who have experienced complex trauma can develop a dysfunctional interpersonal schema, leading to increased anxiety, decreased trust, and feelings of rejection in close relationships. Paradoxically, complex trauma increases the need for social relationships. Supportive social relationships can buffer the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms. However, those who experience complex trauma are less likely to develop healthy, satisfying, and supportive interpersonal relationships. As Black college students are at an increased risk of complex trauma exposure and inadequate social support, they may seek alternative means to meet their social support needs. Parasocial relationships are the pseudo-relationships people develop with preferred media characters. The influx of technology has created a media-rich environment that fosters attachment between media personae and viewers. Though this concept has been examined in communication studies, particularly with TV viewership, there is an increased need to study these relationships at an individual level, particularly given the rise in social media influencers. This study examined parasocial relationship development among college students, attending a Historically Black University (HBCU), who have experienced complex trauma. Due to interpersonal problems and the need for social support, it was hypothesized that individuals who have experienced complex trauma would show an increase in parasocial relationships. The Social Surrogacy theory was used to explain these concepts related to parasocial relationship development. Specifically, the following hypotheses were assessed: HBCU college students who have experienced complex trauma are more likely to have interpersonal problems and have less perceived social support. Interpersonal problems and lack of perceived social support are associated with parasocial relationship engagement, and the association between complex trauma and parasocial relationship engagement are mediated by both interpersonal problems and perceived social support. Survey data was collected from a sample of 120 HBCU students (90 women, 26 men, and 4 unidentified gender). Participants completed a series of surveys including the Complex Trauma Exposure Screen, Audience Persona Interaction (API) scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IPP). The results highlight the relationship between complex trauma exposure and unsatisfactory social support and an increase in interpersonal problems. However, results demonstrated that neither complex trauma, interpersonal problems nor perceived social support predicted increased engagement in parasocial relationships. These findings highlight the complex nature of parasocial relationship development and use among this student population.

Keywords: Parasocial relationship, complex trauma, social support, social media

Location Online:

Zoom Link:
https://pvpanther.zoom.us/j/4218392943?pwd=ek9Tb0VMdk1wZTJIYXJ0ZDBIeUVUUT09&omn=91683950466

Meeting ID: 421 839 2943
Passcode: 264359