Parasocial relationships and their impact on the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of educational tourists: an autoethnography
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes
ISSN: 1755-4217
Article publication date: 5 February 2024
Issue publication date: 29 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to investigate whether relationships with media figures can impact the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of educational tourists.
Design/methodology/approach
The article uses the qualitative method of autoethnography to provide a highly personalised account of the first author’s relationships with podcast hosts during his time as an educational tourist, in order to fulfil its previously mentioned purpose.
Findings
An analysis of the author’s narrative account demonstrates how he formed parasocial relationships (PSRs) with his favourite podcast hosts. These relationships increased self-efficacy, reduced stress and provided a sense of social support, which, in turn contributed to psychological and sociocultural adjustment.
Originality/value
By demonstrating how relationships with media figures can impact their psychological and sociocultural adjustment, this article argues that research on educational tourists should explore their PSRs, in addition to their other kinds of friendships which have already been examined.
Keywords
Citation
Maloney Yorganci, K.T. and Coen, S. (2024), "Parasocial relationships and their impact on the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of educational tourists: an autoethnography", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 38-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-12-2023-0143
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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