title: Connecting with The Biggest Loser: an extended model of parasocial interaction and identification in health-related reality TV shows.
abstract: This study investigates audience responses to health-related reality TV shows in the setting of The Biggest Loser. It conceptualizes a model for audience members' parasocial interaction and identification with cast members and explores antecedents and outcomes of parasocial interaction and identification. Data analysis suggests the following direct relationships: (1) audience members' exposure to the show is positively associated with parasocial interaction, which in turn is positively associated with identification, (2) parasocial interaction is positively associated with exercise self-efficacy, whereas identification is negatively associated with exercise self-efficacy, and (3) exercise self-efficacy is positively associated with exercise behavior. Indirect effects of parasocial interaction and identification on exercise self-efficacy and exercise behavior are also significant. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication , University of Missouri - St. Louis.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: Jina H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yoo
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012919:Social Behavior; D013334:Students; D013690:Television; D014495:Universities; D015431:Weight Loss