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Abstract
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The effects of media violence on the behavior of children are controversial. We examined and reviewed studies addressing this issue and identified many mediating variables. A small but genuine association appears to exist between media violence and aggression. However, many unanswered questions persist, and no interventions are clearly indicated.
VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study by Heath et al. was to review and examine past research on the effects of media violence on children's behavior.
METHODOLOGY:
The authors employed a non-experimental design in which past research on media effects on children was reviewed.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
The author began by pointing out the general parameters of the historical debate on the effect of the media on children. Although the results of past research have been quite consistent, the authors observed that there has been disagreement as to the extent of the impact of the media on the behavior of children. Most of the early work on media effects focused on behavioral effects (primarily aggression) following exposure to televised violence. Contemporary research has made the conceptual leap from "aggression" to "violence". Early laboratory experiments demonstrated that following exposure to aggression in film or television, children as well as adults behaved more aggressively in playful, teaching and dispute resolution situations. Since these same experiments might not have revealed the cumulative effects of violent media, field studies were conducted. Utilizing comparison groups of children who did not witness aggressive television, these studies confirmed the findings of the earlier experimental research. Yet the field studies also found that there was a greater increase in aggressive behavior among children "most inclined to aggression initially" (p. 376). Other research has found significant correlations between violent media exposure and serious aggressive behavior while noting the impact of mediating factors.
Retrospective studies of the media/aggression relationship have been conducted in addition to prospective research. The authors cited a longitudinal study of adolescents' exposure to media violence over a 12 year period which confirmed earlier research findings. However, there was evidence of bi-directional causality suggesting that viewing of violent media leads to aggressive behavior and aggressive behavior leads to viewing violent media. A quasilongitudinal study of men convicted of violent crimes suggested an interactive effect among physical abuse by both parents and exposure to television. In addition, the authors cited research which found identification with aggressive media characters and a belief in the reality of media presentation to be related to aggression. The findings of an additional longitudinal study conflicted with the above research and reported weak positive associations between earlier television viewing and current aggression levels. Finally, the authors reviewed behavior effects research which found increases in homicide and suicide rates after specific acts of violence were reported in the media.
The authors also examined research into the media's effect on people's attitudes towards violence. Most of the research has reported that high television exposure can alter perceptions of the world, particularly in areas where direct experience is unlikely. The authors summarized this research by claiming that it indicates that media violence frightens children and distorts their perception of the world.
Overall, the authors found that past research endeavors into a media/aggression relationship have had several methodological and analytical weaknesses. Consequently, the authors suggested that even if one accepts that a positive relationship exists between media violence and aggression behavior, not all people are similarly effected by media violence. Important intervening variables such as the reality of the media messages, the age and surrounding environment for the individual as well as the way in which he/she mentally stores and recalls information must all be considered.
The authors cited two types of intervention programs which have been initiated to eliminate the negative effects of media exposure. One program which involved training parents to modify children's viewing did not produce changes between pre- and post-testing for neither viewing habits nor aggression levels. Another intervention program involved encouraging the children to develop arguments against the reality of television images and the advisability of adopting television strategies for working out problems. Although the amount of television viewing didn't change following the intervention, there was a change in the attitudes and behavior of the children. The authors concluded by noting that until there is greater understanding of the complex nature of the media/aggression relationship and related intervening variables, it will be difficult to formulate effective policy decisions and intervention strategies.
EVALUATION:
The authors present an interesting and concise review of the literature on the relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior in children. In addition to providing detailed descriptions of key research in this area, the authors clearly identify the important elements of the media effects debate. It would have been valuable, however, if the authors had presented informed recommendations drawn from the findings of their literature review. Nonetheless, this article provides an insightful overview of the ongoing media effects debate. (CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
KW - Media Violence Effects
KW - Child Aggression
KW - Child Problem Behavior
KW - Literature Review
KW - Television Viewing
KW - Television Violence
KW - Child Behavior
KW - Behavior Causes
KW - Problem Behavior Causes
KW - Aggression Causes
KW - Exposure to Violence
KW - Child Attitudes
Language: en |