Fictional Characters and Empathy: An Investigation of Parasocial Relationships

Parasocial relationships (PSRs), one-sided connections formed between viewers and media figures, have gained attention in recent years alongside shifts in media consumption patterns such as binge-watching. This study examines the association between PSRs with fictional television characters and empathy, investigating how engagement with narrative storytelling relates to empathetic behaviors and attitudes. Grounded in cultivation theory (Shrum & Lee, 2012) and narrative engagement frameworks (Dal Cin, Zanna, & Fong, 2004), this research explores whether stronger PSRs correlate with higher empathy scores, particularly in the Fantasy subscale of Davis’s Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) (Davis, 1980). A total of 214 participants (M = 19.38, SD = 3.07) completed surveys assessing PSRs and empathy levels. Participants reflected on their favorite fictional TV characters, selecting ones they identified with, had significant exposure to, or frequently thought about. Results indicate that the PSR Friendship Communication (r = .325, p < .001), Friendship Support (r = .304, p < .001), Love Physical Attraction (r = .276, p < .001), and Love Emotional Response (r = .339, p < .001) subscales were each significantly associated with Fantasy. Additionally, Love Emotional Response correlated with Personal Distress (r = .281, p < .001), indicating heightened emotional distress when characters suffer. However, none of the PSR subscales were significantly correlated with Perspective-Taking (r = .063, p = .357) or Empathic Concern (r = .110, p = .107), suggesting that while PSRs enhance emotional immersion, they do not necessarily foster broader cognitive empathy.