It is common for teens, and even adults, to be huge fans of celebrities. In fact, it is normal
to love a certain singer, actor, or influencer! More often than not, teens have a “celebrity crush” or
idolize someone famous. However, when it becomes extreme, interfering with daily life
activities, it can be a problem. This is known as Celebrity Worship Syndrome, an
obsessive-addictive disorder where an individual becomes excessively focused on the details of a
celebrity (1). Celebrity Worship Syndrome rates have been dramatically increasing with negative
implications on mental health. Although celebrities can be positive role models, a constant focus
on an imagined connection with a celebrity can increase symptoms of depression and anxiety,
impair social skills and relationships, lead to problematic internet use, as well as negative body
image and self esteem (1). It is essential to bring awareness to this often untreated issue, so that individuals can get the help they need.
What is Celebrity Worship Syndrome?
Celebrity Worship Syndrome has been described as an obsessive-addictive disorder, although it is not clinically recognized in the DSM-5 (4). It is a type of parasocial relationship, meaning it is a one-sided relationship involving one person who is investing time into a connection with someone, who oftentimes does not know they exist. Although parasocial
relationships are not always negative, Celebrity Worship Syndrome is more than a common
parasocial relationship. It includes patterns of behavior that are obsessive, compulsive, and
addictive (4). Specific signs and symptoms to look out for include: constantly stalking a favorite
celebrity, always searching for ways to meet the celebrity, inability to control yourself from
finding out more information about the celebrity, always thinking about the celebrity and unable
to focus on other things, and not being concerned with oneself or others due to only being
concerned about the celebrity (5). Researchers who have looked into this syndrome have
identified three dimensions of celebrity worship: entertainment-social, intense-personal, and
borderline pathological (2).
1. Entertainment-Social dimension: This dimension relates to the people who find it fun
to follow their favorite celebrities, and are attracted to the celebrity because of their
ability to entertain. These individuals like to converse with others about the celebrity.
This is considered the lowest level of the syndrome.
2. Intense-Personal dimension: This dimension is characterized as someone having
intense and obsessive feelings about the celebrity. Individuals in this category exhibit
personality traits associated with neuroticism, and believe things like the celebrity is their
soulmate. This is considered the intermediate level of the syndrome.
3. Borderline-Pathological dimension: This dimension is characterized as having extreme
thoughts and fantasies regarding the celebrity. Individuals display uncontrollable
behaviors, such as spending thousands of dollars to buy a small item used by the celebrity
they idolize. This is the highest level of the syndrome.
How Celebrity Worship Syndrome Affects Mental Health
Researchers have found a significant correlation between Celebrity Worship Syndrome
and poor mental health (2). One of the most significant findings was the negative effects on teen body image. When obsessing over a celebrity who is commonly airbrushed and photoshopped in the media, comparing oneself can be highly detrimental to body image. Another study found that
college students who identified with high levels of celebrity worship were more likely to get
cosmetic surgery (3). Two important lifestyle consequences of Celebrity Worship Syndrome
include:
1. Poor relationships: due to being obsessed with the specific celebrity, individuals may
avoid in person social events, ignore others, or not be open to certain opportunities in
favor of perceived celebrity connections. The celebrity becomes more of a priority than
connections with peers and loved ones.
2. Personal well-being: The obsessions and addictive behaviors can lead to harmful
outcomes. For example, going through unnecessary medical procedures to look more like
the idol, and constantly comparing yourself to the idol lowering self esteem.
Ways to Combat Celebrity Worship Syndrome
There are many ways one can combat this syndrome, ranging from outpatient therapy all
the way to residential treatment, depending on the severity. However, some ways to combat
symptoms on your own can be to try and invest time and energy into other activities. For
example, spending time with friends and loved ones, physical exercise, being in nature, art and
creative expression, or volunteering, etc (1). Additionally, it is important to limit internet and news
exposure when struggling with this syndrome. Decreasing exposure to the idol as well as the
media in general can be a helpful reminder to engage in other important aspects of life, like family, friends, schoolwork, etc. Admiring people around you is a natural, and many times positive experience. But Celebrity Worship Syndrome goes beyond just admiration. If you feel as though you, or a loved one, are beginning to display behaviors related to this syndrome, it is important to bring awareness and reach out!
Written By: Ali Green
Social Media Intern, The Grove Counseling & Consulting, LLC
References
1. Staff, N. A. (2023, January 30). Connection between celebrity worship syndrome & teen
mental health. Newport Academy.
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0John%20Maltby
2. griffiths, mark. (2013). Celebrity Worship Syndrome. Psychology Today.
3. Gillette, H. (2022, March 9). Fan or obsession? All about celebrity worship syndrome.
4. Swami, V., Taylor, R., & Carvalho, C. (2009). Acceptance of cosmetic surgery and
celebrity worship: Evidence of associations among female undergraduates. Personality
and Individual Differences, 47(8), 869–872. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2009.07.006
5. Magazine, P., & Magazine, P. (2023). Celebrity worship syndrome. Psychologs Magazine
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