Parasocial Relationships and Their Impact on the Psychological and Sociocultural Adjustment of Educational Tourists: An Autoethnography

Maloney Yorganci, Karl; Coen, Sharon

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

Citation

Maloney Yorganci, K., & Coen, S. (in press). Parasocial Relationships and Their Impact on the Psychological and Sociocultural Adjustment of Educational Tourists: An Autoethnography. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, https://doi.org/10.1108/whatt-12-2023-0143

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 15, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 5, 2024
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 15, 2024
• Journal: Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/whatt-12-2023-0143
• Keywords: parasocial relationships, Autoethnography, adjustment, podcasts, educational tourists