Assessing dimensionality of the parasocial interaction scale

Abstract

Although originally posited as a unidimensional measure, it has recently been suggested that A.M. Rubin et al.`s PSI Scale may be multidimensional. This paper investigates the dimensionality of the PSI scale in three studies. Study 1 examined the dimensionality of the PSI scale by asking participants rate the scale items regarding their ”favorite TV character.” The fit of 1, 2, and 3 factor models were compared. In order to replicate the findings of study 1, study 2 followed the same procedure using a very different sample. Study 3 expanded the findings of the previous studies and examined the fit of the 3-factor model across three time points and with specific content. Results of all three studies suggest that a three-factor model provides the best fitting solution in all cases. We discussed our findings in terms of conceptual and methodological issues in the measurement of PSI.