Have you ever found yourself in tears over the death of a celebrity—someone you never actually met? You're not alone, and you're definitely not overreacting.
In this episode, we explore the surprising emotional truth behind why we grieve public figures so deeply. From parasocial relationships to nostalgia, to reflections on mortality and shared humanity—we unpack the psychology and soul of collective mourning.
This episode features insights from psychology, pop culture, and personal reflection.
In this episode, we cover:
The science behind parasocial relationships
Why celebrity deaths can trigger real, legitimate grief
The role of nostalgia and personal meaning in mourning
How shared loss brings people together
Ways to honor those we've lost, even from afar
Why your emotional response is valid and worth exploring
Resources/References:
Parasocial Relationships and the Social Brain – Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
The Science of Nostalgia – Psychology Today
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US-based)
Book: The Art of Losing: Poems of Grief and Healing by Kevin Young
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or tag us on social!
📱 Instagram: @purposefullifepodcast
🌐 Website: www.noraknadjian.com
⭐ If you found comfort or insight in today’s episode, please leave a review and subscribe so you never miss a moment of healing, clarity, and mindful reflection. 🤍