Adaptation and validation of the Multidimensional Measure of Parasocial Relationships (MMPR) in Poland

Parasocial relationships, one-sided bonds with media figures, have grown with Internet/social media use and are linked to various well-being outcomes. For example, parasocial relationships on social media may foster connection and healthy behaviors while also prompting negative self-comparisons. The Multidimensional Measure of Parasocial Relationships (MMPR), developed by Garcia and colleagues (2022), assess parasocial engagement across affective, behavioral, cognitive, and decisional dimensions. While the MMPR has demonstrated robust psychometric properties in its original Swedish version, its cross-cultural applicability remains unexplored. To addresses this gap, we adapted and validated the MMPR in a Polish sample. A total of 371 Polish young adults (255 women, 116 men; age range 18-48 years) completed the survey. The adaptation process involved translation, back-translation, and review by expert judges. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the four-factor model. We also calculated Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega), four-week test-retest reliability, and examined convergent validity via correlations with theoretically related measures (i.e., early maladaptive schemas and emotional well-being). CFA supported the four-dimensional structure: χ²/df = 2.74; RMSEA = .069 (90% CI = .060-.077); SRMR = .069; CFI = .855. Cronbach's α ranged between .59 (Behavioral dimension) and .75 (Decisional dimension) (.83 for the whole scale). Test-retest correlations were moderate to strong (r = .47-.81). Convergent validity revealed expected, but weak, associations (e.g., higher parasocial engagement was linked to lower abandonment schemas and lower negative emotions). Our findings support the MMPR as a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing parasocial relationships in a digital Polish context. Despite limitations such as the sample's demographic composition and modest internal consistency for the Behavioral subscale, the study contributes meaningful evidence for the scale's applicability beyond its original cultural setting. The results underscore the importance of culturally adapted tools to capture the complex interplay between media engagement and psychosocial functioning, particularly in an era of increasing online interaction. Future research should further refine the measure and explore its use across diverse populations and platforms.