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The recovery function of parasocial relationships for hopelessness on short-form video platforms: a moderated
Xinzhou Xie1, Yanjun Lin2, Qiyu Bai3
1School of New Media, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
Background:
Researchers have long examined the relationship between media use and negative psychological states. However, the correlation between hopelessness, parasocial relationships, and self-identity/ well-being on short-form video platforms is unknown. Additionally, the perceived similarity's role in moderating these relationships has not been established.
Methods:
Drawing on the theoretical model for the development of parasocial relationships, we tested and confirmed the validity of a moderated mediation model, demonstrating how individuals experiencing hopelessness may obtain self-identity and well-being via the mediation of parasocial relationships and the moderation of perceived similarities on short-form video platforms.
Results:
The results of a survey among 2,902 users of short-form video platforms in China indicated that parasocial relationships mediated the relationship between hopelessness and self-identity/well-being. Perceived similarities had a significant moderation effect on the relationship between hopelessness and PSR and the indirect effect of perceived similarities on self-identity (or well-being).
Conclusion:
Users on short-form video platforms can autonomously derive positive health effects (self-identity/well-being) via PSRs. Perceived similarity exerted a moderating effect on the relationship between hopelessness and PSRs among individuals on short-form video platforms: the positive relationship between hopelessness and PSR is stronger for individuals with higher perceived similarities.
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