title: Celebrity Influence and Identification: A Test of the Angelina Effect.
abstract: Angelina Jolie's announcement that she is a BRCA1 carrier and has had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy was met with widespread support as well as speculation about its possible impact on the public. These speculations were the subject of a Time magazine cover story titled "The Angelina Effect" (Kluger et al., 2013 ). Although there is anecdotal evidence to support this hypothesized Angelina effect, empirical tests are lacking. To explore possible links between Angelina's announcement and public health, we surveyed 356 adults immediately after the announcement. Guided by a model of celebrity influence, the survey assessed participants' demographics and health history, identification and parasocial interaction with Jolie, and genetic testing intentions. Results supported the model's predictions and provided preliminary evidence of an Angelina effect.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , North Carolina , USA.
authors.forename: Kami A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Kosenko
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , North Carolina , USA.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Binder
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communication , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , North Carolina , USA.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hurley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005197:Famous Persons; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D065286:Prophylactic Surgical Procedures; D012933:Social Identification; D055815:Young Adult