Admiring a singer, a footballer, or an actress is a common, almost universal phenomenon. But where does admiration stop and obsession begin? In our column “The Coach,” psychologist Dorothée Bruni decrypts the complex relationship between fans and celebrities and helps us identify warning signs.
The word “fan” is not insignificant: it originates from the term “fanatic.” For most of us, being a fan is limited to following an artist’s news or attending their concerts, but for others, this passion can become consuming. “Like everything, it’s a question of balance. Admiration can be a driving force, an inspiring model, but it can also shift towards destructive passion,” explains Dorothée Bruni in an interview with Maritima.
Fanaticism: when one loses oneself
One of the main dangers identified by the psychologist is the loss of self. The fan no longer lives for their own projects, but vicariously through the life of their idol. “There is a shift when the fan loses themselves, creating psychological suffering. The fan ends up losing their professional, family, and social bearings,” she emphasizes. This disconnection from reality is often amplified by social networks, which give the illusion of immediate and constant proximity with the celebrity.
Erotomania: a psychiatric disorder
In extreme cases, the relationship can evolve into erotomania. This involves a delusional belief of being loved by a person, often a celebrity. According to Dorothée Bruni, this disorder generally follows three stages:
1. Passionate love: Immense hope and certainty of a reciprocal bond. 2. Disappointment: The fan realizes their love is not reciprocated. 3. Vengeance: The passion turns into hatred or aggressive behavior.
Signs that should alert loved ones
For parents of adolescents or partners, it is crucial to recognize when passion changes nature. Warning signs include: – Isolation: The individual locks themselves in their room and lives only for their passion. – Global decline: School, friends, or sports no longer matter. Only the idealized “character” exists. – Loss of a sense of reality: The fan no longer distinguishes the public life of the artist from their own private life.
A reciprocal intrusion
The fan/celebrity relationship also raises questions about the star’s privacy. “To what extent does the public figure accept giving themselves to strangers?” asks Dorothée Bruni. Sometimes, the celebrity becomes, unwittingly, a family member for individuals they will never meet, creating a deep relational imbalance.
For advice or support, Dorothée Bruni can be reached at her office located in Martigues. You can also submit questions for the next column by sending an email to: coach@maritima.info.
