Abstract
Summarized is research, primarily from the United States, arguing that violent content in mass media has small but significant impact on real-world violence. Three forms of effects, learning of aggressive attitudes and behaviors, desensitization, and cultivation of fear, are discussed, as are three theoretical models—Bandura's social learning theory, Berkowitz's priming effects theory, and Heusmann's social developmental model—for such effects. Contextual factors in effects, and the special nature of child audiences are discussed. Recent research on television content is presented, and public policy alternatives are suggested.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences |
Editors | N. J. Smelser, P. B. Baltes |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 16187–16192 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Print) | ISBN: 978-08430768 |
State | Published - 2001 |