ADOLESCENT IDOLIZATION OF POP SINGERS - CAUSES, EXPRESSIONS, AND RELIANCE

The study examines the phenomenon of adolescents' idolization of pop s ingers. Male and female adolescents from three age groups (ages 10-11, 13-14, and 16-17) were compared with regard to the intensity of idoli zation, its behavioral manifestations, causes for selecting the idol, and reliance for knowledge on the idol. The results of self-reports in dicated that the phenomenon of idolization, expressed especially in wo rshipping and modeling, is strongest in the youngest age group and dec reases in intensity with age. Also, it was found that girls idolize si ngers more than boys. The youngest age group, especially girls, rely o n singers with regard to knowledge concerning personal matters. These findings were explained within the frameworks of gender differences, a dolescence characteristics, and youth culture development.