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Samantha Lynn D'Anna, Psy.D., is a 2026 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

Rachel Chickerella, PhD, Chairperson

Lorraine Mangione, PhD, Committee Member

Shannon McIntyre, PhD, Committee Member

Photo of Samantha D'Anna
Dr. Samantha D'Anna

Keywords

parasocial relationships, celebrity, loneliness, attachment, Jonas Brothers

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The current study sought to better understand the dynamics between parasocial relationships and celebrity worship in predicting loneliness among the Jonas Brothers fan community. A comprehensive review of existing literature positioned this dissertation within the context of current research. A quantitative, survey-based methodology was used to examine associations between variables through correlational analyses, and a qualitative component invited participants to share written narratives about the impact the Jonas Brothers have had on their lives. Quantitative findings showed that although parasocial relationships did not directly relate to loneliness, they were strongly linked to celebrity worship, which then mediated the connection between parasocial relationships and loneliness. Secure attachment negatively predicted loneliness, and the entertainment social level of celebrity worship was associated with decreased loneliness, suggesting a potential protective effect. Attachment style did not moderate the relationship between parasocial relationships and loneliness. Qualitative findings offered narratives that both complemented and contrasted the statistical results. Future research should expand participant demographics and further explore psychological well-being and social functioning in relation to parasocial relationships. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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ORCID iD: 0009-0008-3421-8848

Bio:
Samantha D’Anna’s research interests focus on parasocial attachment, fandom as a source of belonging, and the ways identity is shaped through cultural and media relationships. Her dissertation examines how parasocial relationships and celebrity worship among Jonas Brothers fans relate to experiences of loneliness and emotional attachment in fandom spaces. She has also explored parasocial relationships through the lens of identity and sexuality projection among fans within the Taylor Swift community. Clinically, Samantha is passionate about child and adolescent care, with specific interests in serious mental illness, neurodivergence, trauma, and identity development. She values authenticity, curiosity, and a warm therapeutic presence, believing that meaningful impacts occur when people feel safe, seen, and genuinely understood.

Publications and Presentations:

The Jonas Brothers and You: A Literature Review on the Impact of Parasocial Relationships (Presentation)

D'Anna, S. (August, 9 2025). The Jonas Brothers and You: A Literature Review on the Impact of Parasocial Relationships"  In Chickerella, R. (Chair), "That’s just the way you make me feel”: Music fandom and media representation among young adults. Symposium for Division 46.

The “Gaylor” Phenomenon: A content analysis of Reddit users questioning Taylor Swift’s sexuality. (Presentation)

Hardock, T., D'Anna, S. and Chickerella, R. (August, 9 2025). The “Gaylor” Phenomenon: A content analysis of Reddit users questioning Taylor Swift’s sexuality.  In Chickerella, R. (Chair), "That’s just the way you make me feel”: Music fandom and media representation among young adults. Symposium for Division 46.

Perceptions of Obstacles: How Different Mindsets May Impact One’s Self Beliefs (Publication)

Rullman, K. P., D'Anna, S. L., Jacobs, L. A., Jacobs, K. R., & Jellison, W. A. (2022). How perceptions of obstacles, stress, and different mindsets may impact a student’s self-beliefs. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 27(2), 105–112. https://doi.org/10.24839/2325-7342.JN27.2.105

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