Celebrity worship

Friend or foe of mental health? Qualitative evidence from Ghanaian adolescents

Datos Bibliográficos

ID13899488
AutoresAnthony Kwame Morgan (0000-0001-7904-9955, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, autor de correspondencia), Daniel Katey (0000-0002-1269-0550, Trent University), Bernice Wadei (0000-0002-4396-2117, Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana), David Forkuor (0000-0002-9249-1139, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), Charles Peprah (0000-0002-1668-4836, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology)
Año2024
Volumen29
Número1
Fecha de publicación2024-06-30
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Adolescence and Youth (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0267-3843 • E-ISSN: 2164-4527
EditorialTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02673843.2024.2371396
OpenAlexW4400216640
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas74

In an era where celebrity influence shapes the lives of young people worldwide, understanding its impact on adolescents has never been more critical. This study explores the growing phenomenon of celebrity worship among Ghanaian adolescents by employing an exploratory research design. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 adolescents who were conveniently sampled. Interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was adopted to uncover recurring patterns and themes in the data. Our findings show dual effects of celebrity worship on the mental health of the adolescents. These encompass positive aspects such as inspiration and motivation, and negative aspects like anxiety and low self-esteem. We also established that adolescents engage in celebrity worship for varied reasons, including a desire for social connection and a need for escapism. Thus, our study highlights the dynamic effects of celebrity worship on the mental health of adolescents. Further quantitative studies are recommended for a comprehensive understanding of this relationship

Developmental psychology · Mental health · Political science · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Worship · Crime, Deviance, and Social Control · Media Influence and Health · Media, Religion, Digital Communication · Psychology · Social Psychology