청소년의 준사회적 상호작용에 관한 주관적 인식연구: Q방법론의 적용

A Study on the Subjective Perception of Para-social Interactions for Adolescents: Focusing on Q Methodology

This study aimed to classify the types of para-social interactions by adolescents and to explore their characteristics. To this end, the Q methodology was applied based on the Adolescents’ Para-social Interaction Scale, and five types were derived from the analysis. These types are named active-involvement, passive-involvement, personal-identification, group-identification, and independent-influence. The active-involvement type empathized with media performers and actively engaged with them, yet showed a selective acceptance rather than unconditional conformity. The passive-involvement type displayed limited direct interaction but benefits from the advice and information provided by media performers. The personal-identification type went beyond simple imitation, internalizing the influence of the media performer and thereby transforming their own behavior. The group-identification type gained motivation from the words and actions of performers but does not necessarily translate this into changes in their own behavior. Finally, the independent-influence type formed para-social interactions with media performers but exhibited relatively low attachment to them while maintaining a strong sense of their own opinions. The findings of this study can serve as foundational data to deepen our understanding of adolescents’ perceptions and values regarding para-social interactions, and they can be expected to contribute to future research and practical applications that reflect the characteristics and needs of each type indentified here.