Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Michael Katz, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Danielle Zito, Psy.D.

Third Advisor

Zeynep Sahin, Ph.D.

Abstract

Celebrity worship (CW) is defined as an increased admiration toward a celebrity figure which may lead to excessive interest in their lives (McCutcheon et al., 2021). Intense CW has been found to be associated with a variety of pathological traits, suggesting that individuals with higher CW might benefit from psychotherapy (Sansone & Sansone, 2014). However, no research is available regarding psychotherapy preferences for this population. Research to date has found positive correlations between accommodating patients’ treatment preferences and greater treatment satisfaction and outcomes, stronger alliance, and reduced attrition (Iacoviello et al., 2007; Lindhiem et al., 2014; Swift et al., 2011, 2013, 2018). As such, the purpose of the current study was to explore how CW is related to patients’ perception of different psychotherapist behaviors (i.e., direct or indirect, etc.) and specific techniques (i.e., psychodynamic-interpersonal [PI], cognitive-behavioral [CB] techniques, or both) as ideal for treatment. This study took an exploratory approach, as there is not a strong research foundation on this topic. Data from 119 adult participants were analyzed. Participants were recruited via an online survey platform and completed the Comparative Psychotherapy Process Scale – Analogue Version (CPPS-AV), the Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences (C-NIP), the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS-7), and a demographic questionnaire. Findings suggest that CW is related to preferences for a supportive approach, focusing on the therapy relationship, and a didactic style. Validation was provided for the newly developed CAS-7 and for using the CPPS-AV to measure preferences. Implications for the clinical treatment of patients with high CW are discussed.

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