@article{ART003335429},
author={Seung-Hye Jun},
title={Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts},
journal={Industry Promotion Research},
issn={2466-1139},
year={2026},
volume={11},
number={2},
pages={203-209},
doi={10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203}
TY - JOUR
AU - Seung-Hye Jun
TI - Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts
JO - Industry Promotion Research
PY - 2026
VL - 11
IS - 2
PB - Industrial Promotion Institute
SP - 203
EP - 209
SN - 2466-1139
AB - This study aims to examine the applicability of the four-factor structure of parasocial interaction (PSI)—reciprocity, identification, involvement, and influence—in the context of AI-based counseling. The study employs a theoretical approach based on a literature review of prior studies, including foundational PSI research, recent discussions on PSI structures, as well as studies on human–computer interaction and AI-based conversational systems. The findings indicate that parasocial interaction can be understood as a structural system in which reciprocity functions as the formative condition and influence represents the consequential dimension of expansion, and this structure is applicable to AI-based counseling contexts. Furthermore, when perceived reciprocity is established in AI interactions, users may engage in identification and involvement, which deepen the interaction and lead to the reconstruction of self-understanding. This study reinterprets parasocial interaction not as an illusion of a non-existent relationship but as a constructive cognitive and emotional process, and provides a theoretical foundation for understanding AI counseling not as a substitute for therapy but as a preparatory interactional environment prior to entering counseling.
KW - Para-social Interaction;AI Counseling;Reciprocity;Identification;Involvement;Influence
DO - 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
ER -
Seung-Hye Jun. (2026). Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts. Industry Promotion Research, 11(2), 203-209.
Seung-Hye Jun. 2026, "Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts", Industry Promotion Research, vol.11, no.2 pp.203-209. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
Seung-Hye Jun "Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts" Industry Promotion Research 11.2 pp.203-209 (2026) : 203.
Seung-Hye Jun. Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts. 2026; 11(2), 203-209. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
Seung-Hye Jun. "Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts" Industry Promotion Research 11, no.2 (2026) : 203-209.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
Seung-Hye Jun. Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts. Industry Promotion Research, 11(2), 203-209. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
Seung-Hye Jun. Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts. Industry Promotion Research. 2026; 11(2) 203-209. doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
Seung-Hye Jun. Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts. 2026; 11(2), 203-209. Available from: doi:10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
Seung-Hye Jun. "Extending the Structural Framework of Parasocial Interaction: An Application to AI-Based Counseling Contexts" Industry Promotion Research 11, no.2 (2026) : 203-209.doi: 10.21186/IPR.2026.11.2.203
