J Soc Pers Relat September 2021 PMID 34504387

Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters.

Marina Rain, Raymond A Mar

Mentions

47
Peak: 11 in Sep 2021
across 3 sources since Sep 2021

Extended reach

237,289
potential audience

Total likes

4,011

Video views

130,094

Mentions per month

Sep 2021 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter41 posts
  • News4 articles
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Many discussions reference and highlight the study 'Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters,' with examples like mentions of research titles and summaries, which suggest a genuine interest in the science behind social interactions and relationship styles. The tone varies from curiosity and support to skepticism, reflecting a nuanced reception to the article's relevance and implications.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

Most discussions show a neutral stance, with some skepticism about practical relevance, suggesting ambivalence rather than strong disagreement or agreement.

InterestModerate interest

Several participants express curiosity or interest, especially when mentioning studies and research, though some dismiss the topic as irrelevant to them.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include sharing sources, referencing research, and discussing attachment styles, indicating a moderate level of engagement with the subject matter.

ImpactModerate impact

While some recognize the significance of understanding the topic, the overall tone suggests the discussions are more exploratory rather than highly impactful.

Abstract in brief

  • Adult attachment influences how deeply people get involved with stories, including feeling immersed and forming bonds with characters because stories provide a safe way to experience intimacy without the risk of rejection.
  • Study 1 shows that attachment styles, specifically anxiety and avoidance, affect how people identify with characters and engage in parasocial interactions, even when accounting for other personality traits.
  • Study 2 examines which types of characters appeal to different attachment styles, revealing that attachment orientations influence both how we connect with characters and who we are drawn to in stories.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
David Schmitt
@PsychoSchmitt · X

"attachment orientation not only determines how people engage with favorite TV characters, but also with whom viewers tend to engage" https://t.co/9eqeMdtWRo

Sep 26, 2021 · 9 likes · 2 shares · 12,411 followers View post →
こつよせ
@kotsuyose · X

"不安型愛着スタイルの人は虚構キャラクターとの擬似的な相互関係を夢想し自分を拒絶しない安全基地を得て愛着不安を軽減しようとする" BLファンはキャラ同士の関係性に萌えて自分は傍観者の意識だそうだが、そうすると拒絶される危険がさらに小さくなって「便利」なのかも https://t.co/iNDPUiOCGL

Sep 23, 2021 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 2,318 followers View post →
Quinn (she/they) Ⓐ
@robynsun_love · X

@beyoncetingz @savehoneyola @NICKIMINAJ It shouldn’t have to be said that there will be no bowing down to someone who treats CSA like a joke. The modern parasocial relationship needs to die a quick and unceremonious death. It’s nothing if not cultish. https://t.co/Xqa0JFLF2E

Jan 27, 2024 · 5 likes · 1,303 followers View post →
reyyan bilge
@ReyyanBilge · X

@callfor_hope buyrunuz https://t.co/rCaHFcBF6q

Sep 26, 2021 · 3 likes · 25,370 followers View post →
구름구름
@xiaoCloud3 · X

와 애착유형과 픽션 캐릭터에 관심을 가지는 것의 연관성을 연구한 논문이 있네 Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters (Rain & Mar, 2021)

Feb 8, 2022 · 3 likes · 459 followers View post →
Masanari Sakurai
@wagashi_no_yosa · X

そしてこちらの2021年の研究では、なぜ人は架空のキャラクターに惹かれるのかについて、選択肢が多いことと、「推しは私を拒絶しないから」という結論を出している。 https://t.co/DvptQuQFy1

Oct 22, 2023 · 2 likes · 8,370 followers View post →

All mentions

Sobo ⚪
@Sobunan · X

@losersubsaharan @JERG05449144 @star_xeno @AnonymousBiscu3 @OfficalSusanS Water is wet, source? Red chillies are spicy, source? its a general consensus and just logical. anyway, i found some anyway: 1 https://t.co/Ax5emx8nAr 2 https://t.co/QmgNEJbw8q 3 https://t.co/k7a3Xn91Al

Oct 7, 2025 · 1 like · 68 followers View post →
Solene❄️
@caelis_s · X

@cloudynyxx There was a research paper by Rain and Mar (2021) titled "Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters" which explored these concepts! Very interesting reads

Aug 25, 2024 · 12 followers View post →
⭐️
@onagovwatchlist · X

@steallyoursoul @yongzrina Genuinely hope these help https://t.co/NUtkLlELbP

Mar 11, 2024 · 1 like · 390 followers View post →
Quinn (she/they) Ⓐ
@robynsun_love · X

@beyoncetingz @savehoneyola @NICKIMINAJ It shouldn’t have to be said that there will be no bowing down to someone who treats CSA like a joke. The modern parasocial relationship needs to die a quick and unceremonious death. It’s nothing if not cultish. https://t.co/Xqa0JFLF2E

Jan 27, 2024 · 5 likes · 1,303 followers View post →
Raccoon After All
@raccoonafterall · X

Oh look, a psychological study that has absolutely no relevance to me whatsoever

Nov 29, 2023 · 1 like · 132 followers View post →
Masanari Sakurai
@wagashi_no_yosa · X

そしてこちらの2021年の研究では、なぜ人は架空のキャラクターに惹かれるのかについて、選択肢が多いことと、「推しは私を拒絶しないから」という結論を出している。 https://t.co/DvptQuQFy1

Oct 22, 2023 · 2 likes · 8,370 followers View post →
Marcel R Goto
@marcelrgoto · X

A esquiva de relações íntimas, fortemente ligada a dificuldade nelas, está associada aqui a maior identificação com personagens, e especialmente personagens mais autônomos e independentes. Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters. (https://t.co/4mQxC62cev) https://t.co/CXaJwqO7u2

Oct 16, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,022 followers View post →
FREE PALESTINE & FREE VENEZUELA
@FAlRYDREAMS · X

THIS SHT CHANGED THE TRAJECTORY OF MY LIFE https://t.co/8cjffHuvMT

Mar 23, 2023 · 1,723 followers View post →
FREE PALESTINE & FREE VENEZUELA
@FAlRYDREAMS · X

https://t.co/8cjffHtXXl

Mar 23, 2023 · 1,723 followers View post →
.
@DoEo75925149 · X

@TanniesBiased @AKABABOUCHE @MinistryofOtaku The paper I believe you were referring to only measured 2 variables non of which and anything to do with sexual attraction. You are taking it completely out of context.https://t.co/XAIDDFaLDI

Feb 20, 2023 · 1 like · 15 followers View post →
Sukii
@Sukii_core · X

@squishnt https://t.co/g3VuItwxNP

Feb 5, 2023 · 2 likes · 578 followers View post →
⋆bella ཐིཋྀ ⋆˚꩜。
@gyumisoo · X

Parasocial Relationships: Strangers Aren't Your Friends https://t.co/uYR60BXZPO via @YouTube

Sep 23, 2022 · 7,637 followers View post →
⋆bella ཐིཋྀ ⋆˚꩜。
@gyumisoo · X

Parasocial Relationships: Strangers Aren't Your Friends https://t.co/uYR60BXs0g via @YouTube

Sep 23, 2022 · 7,637 followers View post →
MONEY MAKING MITCH
@Yanitsunamiii__ · X

@ thebarbs https://t.co/dyFiV9cFZk

Sep 12, 2022 · 321 followers View post →
Medua
@meduaiwel · X

Parasocial Relationships: Strangers Aren't Your Friends https://t.co/x9vHPfMtMP via @YouTube

Sep 1, 2022 · 384 followers View post →
Kaylin
@KaylinsWRLD · X

Parasocial Relationships: Strangers Aren't Your Friends https://t.co/qMML5EGCx6 via @YouTube. 100% facts! This is why I keep to myself and let people do them.

Aug 22, 2022 · 1 like · 2,538 followers View post →
VERLOTA / CARL WOLFE ❁
@carlxwolfe · X

https://t.co/I2HBW7um1K

Aug 16, 2022 · 2,734 followers View post →
Rahshawn
@ijahmeer · X

Parasocial Relationships: Strangers Aren't Your Friends https://t.co/JdQfsIa8gM via @YouTube

Aug 6, 2022 · 2,028 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

#pridemonth2022 #pride2022 #PrideMonth https://t.co/yJiMdw7v25 https://t.co/8ojn2oE7ZD https://t.co/XMYjdqUQpD help spread the information

May 30, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@BoozyBadger so that means I can be the aggressive, problematic one of these? do whatever it takes to be taken seriously. https://t.co/jTqj41EHPl https://t.co/fsWMyM1qSS ?

May 9, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@HigherMagic as a writer, would you ever write characters who are https://t.co/jTqj41EHPl https://t.co/fsWMyM1qSS ?

May 9, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@magencubed as a writer, please https://t.co/jTqj41EHPl https://t.co/fsWMyM1qSS representation

May 9, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@sophie_frm_mars @crankyoldenby and it's good for the kids to see the kink, also would you ever write a character who is also https://t.co/jTqj41myBd https://t.co/fsWMyMitUS ? they are allowed at Pride right?

May 9, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@thefempire88 @in_fIux @GiinTonic @sophie_frm_mars that is why I say I'l beat someone who tells me mean things for being what I assume is a "fictosexual". nobody will take would you ever write a character who is also https://t.co/jTqj41EHPl https://t.co/fsWMyM1qSS ? seriously without some bonking

May 9, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@LianyuTan @Asynca would you ever write a character who is also https://t.co/jTqj41myBd https://t.co/fsWMyMitUS ?

May 9, 2022 · 1 like · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@jk_rowling please write good for https://t.co/jTqj41E9ZN https://t.co/fsWMyM0T3k nobody wants us and even say we exist only to make fun of gay people. or we're an immature joke or fetishes and preferences are not lgbt. then again maybe it's a good thing not to due to association reasons

May 8, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@dduane https://t.co/fsWMyM0T3k https://t.co/jTqj41E9ZN would you ever have a serious protagonist who is this? and if it looks like they get a love interest say "sorry I already have someone in my heart, (and makeup an in universe folklore hero)

May 8, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
sasa lele
@Kaiyodei · X

@PeteButtigieg what are your thoughts about https://t.co/jTqj41E9ZN and https://t.co/fsWMyM0T3k. I think little kids need to know this so they don't feel weird if they are when they are older

Apr 13, 2022 · 148 followers View post →
구름구름
@xiaoCloud3 · X

와 애착유형과 픽션 캐릭터에 관심을 가지는 것의 연관성을 연구한 논문이 있네 Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters (Rain & Mar, 2021)

Feb 8, 2022 · 3 likes · 459 followers View post →
ぬ(ヌコ)
@thecat_crmh · X

https://t.co/9HJZOSw3Q0 これだ

Nov 19, 2021 · 60 followers View post →
セリエマ
@seri3ma · X

RT @be_wormholed: "不安型愛着スタイルの人は虚構キャラクターとの擬似的な相互関係を夢想し自分を拒絶しない安全基地を得て愛着不安を軽減しようとする" BLファンはキャラ同士の関係性に萌えて自分は傍観者の意識だそうだが、そうすると拒絶される危険がさらに小さくなっ…

Sep 27, 2021 · 2 shares · 3,017 followers View post →
reyyan bilge
@ReyyanBilge · X

@callfor_hope buyrunuz https://t.co/rCaHFcBF6q

Sep 26, 2021 · 3 likes · 25,370 followers View post →
cvxvcxv
@DN5eeCw55PpNeDS · X

RT @PsychoSchmitt: "attachment orientation not only determines how people engage with favorite TV characters, but also with whom viewers te…

Sep 26, 2021 · 2 shares · 23 followers View post →
David Schmitt
@PsychoSchmitt · X

"attachment orientation not only determines how people engage with favorite TV characters, but also with whom viewers tend to engage" https://t.co/9eqeMdtWRo

Sep 26, 2021 · 9 likes · 2 shares · 12,411 followers View post →
コーリー(贋)
@boguscorey · X

RT @be_wormholed: "不安型愛着スタイルの人は虚構キャラクターとの擬似的な相互関係を夢想し自分を拒絶しない安全基地を得て愛着不安を軽減しようとする" BLファンはキャラ同士の関係性に萌えて自分は傍観者の意識だそうだが、そうすると拒絶される危険がさらに小さくなっ…

Sep 23, 2021 · 2 shares · 620 followers View post →
こつよせ
@kotsuyose · X

"不安型愛着スタイルの人は虚構キャラクターとの擬似的な相互関係を夢想し自分を拒絶しない安全基地を得て愛着不安を軽減しようとする" BLファンはキャラ同士の関係性に萌えて自分は傍観者の意識だそうだが、そうすると拒絶される危険がさらに小さくなって「便利」なのかも https://t.co/iNDPUiOCGL

Sep 23, 2021 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 2,318 followers View post →
ceiba
@ceibacat · X

link to the full study: https://t.co/Dq9KcsAKRo

Sep 20, 2021 · 1 like · 1,464 followers View post →
k law
@leaper6 · X

Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters - Marina Rain, Raymond A. Mar, 2021 https://t.co/902R3P0Gq6

Sep 19, 2021 · 124 followers View post →
AveChameleon
@AveChameleon · X

The original academic journal article is actually pretty interesting https://t.co/mexfVNlCJ0 https://t.co/eyEJko1D5V

Sep 18, 2021 · 1 like · 711 followers View post →
Ken Gusler
@kgusler · X

Adult attachment and engagement with fictional characters - Marina Rain, Raymond A. Mar, 2021: https://t.co/OyGXqs4v5a

Sep 18, 2021 · 19,977 followers View post →
Uğur Yiğit Karataş
@scisophia · X

düşündürmektedir. -Bu etkiler, dışa dönüklük, uyumluluk, sorumluluk ve nevrotiklik gibi kişilik özelliklerini kontrol edildikten sonra da sabit kaldı. https://t.co/AJ4v5HnvuB

Sep 17, 2021 · 487 followers View post →
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