How Parasocial Relationships Affected Psycho-emotional Aspects During Social Restrictions in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of interpersonal and parasocial relationships as coping mechanisms, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has three main objectives: (1) to analyze how parasocial relationships may function as coping strategies during social isolation; (2) to investigate their role as emotional support comparable to interpersonal relationships; and (3) to evaluate how parasocial relationships worked during the pandemic. The central hypotheses proposed are: H1 – Parasocial relationships can serve as coping strategies; H2 – Parasocial relationships provide significant emotional support during social isolation; and H3 – In contexts of distancing, parasocial relationships may become as important as, or more important than, traditional interpersonal bonds. Methodologically, the study uses a qualitative literature review (Portuguese, English, Spanish) and an analysis of social media posts from 2020–2023, with attention to rigor and ethical considerations. Findings reveal that both interpersonal and parasocial relationships provide emotional support, foster group belonging, and influence identity construction. Practical implications include strengthening mental health frameworks during crises, especially through recognizing parasocial dynamics as legitimate coping resources. The paper calls for more empirical research post-COVID-19 to deepen understanding of these relationships.