The Parasocial Contact Hypothesis
@article{Schiappa2005ThePC, title={The Parasocial Contact Hypothesis}, author={Edward Schiappa and Peter B Gregg and Dean E. Hewes}, journal={Communication Monographs}, year={2005}, volume={72}, pages={115 - 92} }
We propose a communication analogue to Allport's (1954) Contact Hypothesis called the Parasocial Contact Hypothesis (PCH). If people process mass-mediated parasocial interaction in a manner similar to interpersonal interaction, then the socially beneficial functions of intergroup contact may result from parasocial contact. We describe and test the PCH with respect to majority group members' level of prejudice in three studies, two involving parasocial contact with gay men (Six Feet Under and…
611 Citations
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