NCJ Number
110651
Journal
Journal of Pediatric Psychiatry Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (1987) Pages: 413-427
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
A study exposing small groups of younger and older emotionally disturbed (ED) children to both high and low aggression cartoons clearly suggested a media effect on behavior.
Abstract
The cartoons were shown to a class of 11 ED children between 8.6 and 12.1 years old and a class of 9 children whose ages ranged between 5.7 and 8.3 years. Baseline data were collected during the first week, and for 2 subsequent weeks the children were shown four cartoons from each category before lunch. Their behavior was observed during lunch and recess. The results indicated that the older ED class exhibited a significant increase in physical aggression and appropriate social interaction following the high aggression cartoons compared with baseline levels, with a similar trend for nonphysical aggression. This behavior was evident during lunch and recess. In the younger group, levels of physical and nonphysical aggression decreased following the low aggression cartoons. The younger subjects became more noncompliant following exposure to the high aggression cartoons and more nonphysically aggressive when their behavior immediately preceding media exposure was used as a covariate. This reaction pattern was observed only during lunch. Tables and approximately 35 references. (Author abstract modified)