How Do We React When Our Favorite Characters Are Taken Away? An Examination of a Temporary Parasocial Breakup

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven

Study investigates emotional and behavioral responses to a temporary parasocial breakup during the 2007–2008 television writers’ strike, when many shows stopped airing new episodes. Prior work on parasocial breakups and uses and gratifications theory guides predictions. Questionnaire findings show that stronger parasocial ties and greater television affinity increase distress, even after accounting for how many favorite programs went off air. When new episodes ceased, viewers mainly substituted television time with other media exposure rather than increasing nonmedia activities like social interaction, with some gender differences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Parasocial relationships and media enjoyment

Parasocial breakup and emotional distress

Research gap: temporary separation during programming disruptions

Method and Results

Questionnaire design and predictors

Distress patterns by parasocial strength and television affinity

Media substitution vs nonmedia activities

Gender differences

This article was downloaded by: [University of Guelph] On: 28 December 2014, At: 09:45 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK Mass Communication and Society Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: [http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/hmcs20](http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/hmcs20) How Do We React When Our Favorite Characters Are Taken Away? An Examination of a Temporary Parasocial Breakup Julie Lathera & Emily Moyer-Guse a a School of Communication The Ohio State University Published online: 04 Mar 2011. To cite this article: Julie Lather & Emily Moyer-Guse (2011) How Do We React When Our Favorite Characters Are Taken Away? An Examination of a Temporary Parasocial Breakup, Mass Communication and Society, 14:2, 196-215, DOI: 10 . 1080/15205431003668603 To link to this article: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15205431003668603](http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15205431003668603) PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform . However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis . The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information . Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes . Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden . Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at [http://www.tandfonline.com/page/term](http://www.tandfonline.com/page/term)s-and-conditions Downloaded by [University of Guelph] at 09:45 28 December 2014 Downloaded by [University of Guelph] at 09:45 28 December 2014 Mass Communication and Society, 14:196–215, 2011 Copyright \# Mass Communication & Society Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication ISSN: 1520-5436 print=1532-7825 online DOI: 10.1080/15205431003668603 How Do We React When Our Favorite Characters Are Taken Away? An Examination of a Temporary Parasocial Breakup Julie Lather and Emily Moyer-Guse School of Communication The Ohio State University This study examined reactions to a temporary parasocial breakup situation during the television writers’ strike of 2007–2008 when many television shows stopped airing new episodes. Past research on parasocial breakups and uses and gratifications theory was used to predict emotional and behavioral reactions. Questionnaire results revealed that participants with stronger parasocial relationships experienced greater distress—even after controlling for the number of favorite programs that went off the air. Moreover, those with greater television affinity reported greater distress when their favorite show was disrupted, although television viewing motives also played a role in this process. Finally, when their favorite shows were no longer airing new episodes, viewers primarily replaced television viewing time with other media exposure rather than increasing nonmedia activities such as social interaction. However, a number of these activities varied by gender. Julie Lather (M.A., The Ohio State Un

FAQs

What situation does the study examine as a temporary parasocial breakup?

The study examines viewers’ reactions during the 2007–2008 television writers’ strike, when many television shows stopped airing new episodes.

How do stronger parasocial relationships affect distress?

Participants with stronger parasocial relationships experienced greater distress even after controlling for the number of favorite programs that went off the air.

What did viewers do when their favorite shows stopped airing new episodes?

Viewers primarily replaced television viewing time with other media exposure rather than increasing nonmedia activities such as social interaction, and some activities varied by gender.

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven