FACTORS AND MECHANISMS OF CELEBRITY WORSHIP SYNDROME IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ABSORPTION-ADDICTION MODEL

Abstract

While the negative outcomes of Celebrity Worship Syndrome (CWS) have been documented in existing literature, there is still limited research on how pathological forms of CWS may develop among healthy individuals. Furthermore, existing studies have not clearly distinguished between high levels of CWS and pathological forms of CWS. Drawing on the assumptions of the absorption-addiction model by McCutcheon et al. (2002), the present study proposes some factors that could affect an individual?s overall CWS through enhancing perceived feelings of intimacy (PFI) with celebrities. Exploratory analyses for the survey segment found that self-disclosure and accessibility of a celebrity could influence an individual?s extent of idolization (EI) and likelihood of developing pathological CWS (LOP) through enhancing PFI. Findings of the experimental analyses indicate that presenting achievement-oriented idolatry information would induce higher PFI with an unfamiliar celebrity than presenting glamour-oriented idolatry information. Overall, the present study provides evidence for characteristics of celebrities that could influence an individual?s EI and LOP. The present study also clarifies the conceptualization of CWS by demonstrating that high but non-pathological forms of CWS can exist.