Television as escape from self: Psychological predictors of media involvement

The present study extends prior research investigating psychological predictors of media preferences by examining various indicators of psychosocial functioning (self esteem, social anxiety, attachment anxiety/avoidance, negative affect, effortful control) in the context of two specific forms of media involvement: parasocial interaction with media characters and transportation into media programs. Results of a questionnaire study reveal that negative affect and decreased attentional/impulse control are most strongly predictive of both forms of media involvement. Additionally, attachment anxiety was found to predict increased transportation tendencies, and increased TV viewing hours predicted greater parasocial involvement with favorite characters. Results are discussed in light of the gratifications that may motivate individuals toward emotional involvement with entertainment media.