Ontological security is a stable mental state derived from a sense of continuity in regard to the events in one's life. Giddens (1991) refers to ontological security as a sense of order and continuity in regard to an individual's experiences. He argues that this is reliant on people's ability to give meaning to their lives. Meaning is found in experiencing positive and stable emotions, and by avoiding chaos and anxiety (ibid; Elias, 1985).

While it is arguable that the show predominantly creates stress and negative emotions for Shanin, I think the key point is that participating in the show is a key part of her identity. It orders her sense of reality and her place within it. Leaving the show may enable her to reduce the anxiety caused by associating with Vicky, for example, but it will also introduce the anxiety caused by no longer belonging to the cast and to having the show grounding her life, which has other areas of weakness (she doesnt have a career, her marriage isn't healthy).