Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

In today’s media-saturated world, celebrities have a profound influence on public life, shaping norms, behaviors, and attitudes. While many celebrities use their platforms to promote positive messages and raise awareness about critical issues, others may inadvertently contribute to unhealthy societal standards, particularly regarding mental health. This article examines the impact of certain celebrity behaviors and media representations on public mental health, drawing on scientific research to highlight the potential risks and advising on healthier engagement with celebrity culture.

Celebrities can significantly impact their audiences through their public and private behaviors, as these individuals often serve as role models, especially for young people. The media’s portrayal of celebrities and their lifestyles can set unrealistic standards for beauty, success, and happiness, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among fans (Maltby et al., 2005, Personality and Individual Differences).

1. Glamorization of Unhealthy Lifestyles: Celebrities who openly engage in risky behaviors such as drug use, excessive drinking, or reckless behavior can normalize these activities. Research by Doherty and Schlenker (1991, Journal of Substance Abuse) indicates that celebrity substance use can increase the likelihood of fans starting to use substances as a form of emulative behavior.
2. Unrealistic Body Standards: Celebrities with highly publicised diets or cosmetic surgeries can perpetuate unattainable beauty standards. Tiggemann and Slater’s 2014 study in the Body Image journal found that exposure to images of thin and edited bodies is linked to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among women.
3. Overemphasis on Material Wealth: Celebrities who flaunt extravagant lifestyles can skew public perceptions of success and happiness, linking them closely with material wealth. Kasser and Ryan’s research (2001, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology) demonstrates that high materialistic values are associated with lower life satisfaction and higher anxiety.
4. Cyberbullying and Online Toxicity: Celebrities who engage in or are targets of cyberbullying contribute to a culture of online harassment, which can be particularly detrimental to the mental health of young followers (Selkie et al., 2016, JAMA Pediatrics).

To mitigate the negative effects of celebrity culture on mental health, individuals can take several proactive steps:

1. Critical Media Consumption: Developing media literacy skills can help individuals critically evaluate the content they consume and recognize the constructed nature of celebrity media images.
2. Diverse Role Models: Encouraging admiration of public figures from various walks of life, including scientists, educators, and community leaders, can diversify the standards to which young people aspire.
3. Focus on Personal Values: Focusing on personal growth and internal values rather than external appearances and material success can bolster mental resilience against negative influences.
4. Support and Education: Parents and educators can play a crucial role by discussing the impact of celebrity culture with young people, providing support and context for understanding media images and messages.

1. Kim Kardashian and Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Kim Kardashian, known for her appearance and style, often showcases an extremely curated and often surgically enhanced image that might contribute to unrealistic beauty standards. Studies, such as one by Fardouly et al. (2015) in the Body Image journal, suggest that exposure to celebrities’ edited photos can impact body image satisfaction negatively, particularly among women.
2. Charlie Sheen and Substance Abuse: Charlie Sheen’s public struggles with substance abuse and erratic behavior have been highly publicized. While he has been open about his issues, the glamorisation of his lifestyle, inadvertently through media coverage, could normalise substance misuse. Research by Westgate and Holliday (2016) suggests that celebrity behavior can significantly influence public attitudes towards drugs and alcohol, potentially lowering the perceived risks associated with these substances.
3. Dan Bilzerian and Hyper-Masculinity: Known for his lavish lifestyle and hyper-masculine image, Dan Bilzerian often displays behaviors that involve objectifying women and flaunting wealth and guns. Such displays can contribute to toxic masculinity norms, affecting young men’s self-esteem and behaviors. Duff and Hong (2019) in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin discuss how exposure to such hyper-masculine traits can promote aggression and sexism among male adolescents.
4. Kylie Jenner and Materialism: As a prominent figure in the cosmetics industry and a social media icon, Kylie Jenner showcases a highly materialistic lifestyle that could contribute to unrealistic financial and lifestyle aspirations among young people. Research by Chaplin and John (2007) in the Journal of Consumer Research demonstrates that media portrayals of affluence and luxury can foster materialistic values in young audiences, which are linked to lower levels of life satisfaction and higher anxiety.
5. Cardi B and Hyper-Sexualization: Cardi B’s portrayal of sexuality and her often explicit content can impact the self-esteem and body image of young women. A study by Ward and Rivadeneyra (1999) in the Journal of Sex Research found that frequent exposure to sexualized female bodies can lead young women to internalize these standards as normative, which in turn can affect their sexual self-esteem and increase the risk of depression.
6. Britney Spears and Media Scrutiny: Britney Spears’ highly publicised personal struggles, under intense media scrutiny, illustrate the pressures of fame and the impact of negative media exposure on mental health. The constant critique and paparazzi attention she received, particularly during her public breakdown, highlight how media treatment of female celebrities can influence public attitudes towards mental health issues and stigma, as noted by Hoffner and Buchanan (2005) in the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media.
7. 50 Cent and Bullying: Rapper 50 Cent has been involved in numerous public feuds and has displayed behaviors that could be interpreted as cyberbullying. His actions, often documented and followed in social media and press, can send mixed signals about the acceptability of such behavior, potentially normalizing bullying. Livingstone and Smith (2014) in American Psychologist have illustrated the negative impact that such celebrity behavior can have on young people, mimicking these aggressive interactions in their own lives.
8. Gordon Ramsay and Workplace Harassment: Chef Gordon Ramsay is famous for his fiery temper and harsh critique style on shows like “Hell’s Kitchen.” While this is part of his TV persona, such behavior can glamorise workplace bullying and harassment, potentially normalising these actions among viewers. Einarsen et al. (2011) in the Work & Stress journal discuss the impact of observing aggressive behaviors in the media, which can lead to an increase in accepting such behaviors in real life.
9. Mike Tyson and Aggressive Behavior: Mike Tyson, a former professional boxer known for his ferocity inside and outside the ring, has had multiple legal issues and admitted instances of substance abuse and aggressive behavior. Research by Anderson and Bushman (2002) in the Annual Review of Psychology suggests that exposure to such violent and aggressive role models can increase aggressive behavior in observers, particularly in sports where physical aggression is often glorified.
10. Lance Armstrong and Unethical Behavior: Lance Armstrong’s involvement in doping scandals not only tainted his career but also had a broader impact on his fans and young athletes. His actions contribute to a culture of cheating in sports, potentially normalizing unethical behaviors for gains. Studies like those by Stanger (2016) in Ethics & Behavior show that witnessing admired figures engaging in unethical actions without adequate repercussions can decrease young people’s adherence to ethical standards.
11. John Terry and Racial Abuse: Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry was accused and charged with racial abuse against an opponent. Such high-profile cases of racism contribute to perpetuating stereotypes and tolerating racial abuse, which can harm the mental health of those subjected to similar forms of discrimination. Sue et al. (2007) in the American Psychologist discuss the psychological impact of racial microaggressions, indicating that prolonged exposure to racial discrimination can lead to chronic stress, depression, and anxiety.

To mitigate the impact of such negative influences, it is essential for individuals to:

• Develop Media Literacy: Enhance skills to critically analyse and question the media content consumed, recognising the constructed nature of celebrity personas.
• Seek Positive Role Models: Identify and follow celebrities who demonstrate positive behaviors and advocate for healthy living and mental wellness.
• Engage in Open Discussions: Use the examples of negative celebrity influences as discussion points to address and debunk harmful stereotypes, especially with young people.
• Promote and Support Mental Health Awareness: Advocate for and support movements that aim to break down mental health stigma and encourage positive mental health practices.

While celebrities can be a source of inspiration and entertainment, their influence can also perpetuate harmful norms and behaviors. By adopting a more critical and selective approach to media consumption and seeking to understand the underlying issues associated with celebrity influence, individuals can protect their mental health from the potential negative impacts of celebrity culture.

• Maltby, J., et al. (2005). Personality and Individual Differences.
• Doherty, K., & Schlenker, B. R. (1991). Journal of Substance Abuse.
• Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). Body Image.
• Kasser, T., & Ryan, R. M. (2001). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Selkie, E. M., et al. (2016). JAMA Pediatrics.
• Fardouly, J., et al. (2015). Social media and body image concerns: Current research and future directions. Body Image.
• Westgate, E. C., & Holliday, J. (2016). Identity, influence, and intervention: The roles of social media in alcohol use. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
• Kasser, T., & Kanner, A. D. (Eds.). (2004). Psychology and Consumer Culture: The Struggle for a Good Life in a Materialistic World. American Psychological Association.
• Chaplin, L. N., & John, D. R. (2007). Growing up in a material world: Age differences in materialism in children and adolescents. Journal of Consumer Research.
• Ward, L. M., & Rivadeneyra, R. (1999). Contributions of entertainment television to adolescents’ sexual attitudes and expectations: The role of viewing amount versus viewer involvement. The Journal of Sex Research.
• Hoffner, C., & Buchanan, M. (2005). Young adults’ wishful identification with television characters: The role of perceived similarity and character attributes. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media.
• Livingstone, S., & Smith, P.K. (2014). Annual Research Review: Harms experienced by child users of online and mobile technologies: the nature, prevalence and management of sexual and aggressive risks in the digital age. American Psychologist.
• Einarsen, S., et al. (2011). The concept of bullying and harassment at work: The European tradition. Work & Stress.
• Anderson, C.A., & Bushman, B.J. (2002). Human aggression. Annual Review of Psychology.
• Stanger, N. (2016). Observing unethical behavior and the bystander effect. Ethics & Behavior.
• Sue, D.W., et al. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist.

How to get in touch

If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@calmandcaring.com.