NCJ Number
209053
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2001 Pages: 476-488
Date Published
May 2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study explored differences in the emotional response to violent film segments among a sample of 20 men and 20 women.
Abstract
While recent research has examined reactions to media violence and its effect on behavior, comparatively little research has explored the nature of individual differences in the emotional reaction to violent films, although some evidence suggests that violence is responded to differently by different people. The current study assessed differences in both the subjective emotional responses and the eye blink startle magnitude of 20 men and 20 women who viewed a series of 5 violent film clips and 5 nature scenes. It was hypothesized that the violent film stimulus would evoke either a positive or aversive emotional response in participants relative to the control stimulus with nature scenes. Results indicated that participants experienced higher levels of curiosity, anxiety, disgust, and anger in response to the violent film segments, as well as magnified startle responses. Lower levels of boredom and positive emotion were also observed with the violent film segments in comparison to the nature scenes. Differences were noted between men and women, with men reporting more positive feelings, entertainment, and curiosity in response to the violent film. Women, on the other hand, reported more disgust, boredom, anger, and had a greater startle reaction to the violent film. Future research should focus on whether age differences impact variations in eye blink startle response to white noise presented during violent film segments. Tables, references