The Return of the King: How Cleveland Reunited With LeBron James After a Parasocial Breakup. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bostwick, Eryn N.; Lookadoo, Kathryn L.
• Is Part Of: Communication & sport. Volume 5:Number 6(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 689
• Page End: 711
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: parasocial relationships -- sports communication -- parasocial breakups -- betrayal -- relational investment; Communication in sports -- Periodicals; Mass media and sports -- Periodicals; 306.48305
• DOI: 10.1177/2167479516659460
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2167-4795

Abstract

This study examined the experiences of Northeast Ohio residents when LeBron James announced he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010 and then returned in 2014, through the lens of parasocial relationships (PSRs). One hundred thirty-seven people who either grew up in or currently resided in Northeast Ohio reported about their experiences when LeBron James announced he was leaving Cleveland to play in Miami in 2010, as well as their experiences when he announced his return to Cleveland in 2014. Results indicated the more intense a PSR with James was, the more invested in him individuals were. Additionally, experiencing a parasocial breakup was positively related to having feelings of grief after James left. The results of this study extend previous research on PSRs to a new realm and help explain why some sports fans might react negatively when finding out their favorite player is no longer playing with their favorite team.