Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate whether relationships with media figures can impact the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of educational tourists.Design/methodology/approachThe 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.FindingsAn 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/valueBy 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.
Subject
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law,Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management,Development
Reference43 articles.
1. Ethnic Communities within the university: an examination of factors influencing the personal adjustment of international students;Research in Higher Education,1998
2. Bochner, A.P. (1984), “The functions of human communication in interpersonal bonding”, Arnold, C.C. and Bowers, J.W. (Eds), Handbook of Rhetorical and Communication Theory, Allyn & Bacon, Boston, MA, pp. 544-621.
3. Friendship patterns of overseas students: a functional model;International Journal of Psychology,1977