Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Psychology

Supervisor

Mitchell, Derek

2nd Supervisor

Dozois, David

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Research examining the effects of violent media remains controversial due to methodological concerns, unclear neurocognitive mechanisms, and limited understanding of individual differences in susceptibility. Three mixed methods studies were conducted to better understand the association between violent media and broader aspects of social functioning, as well as individual differences. Our central hypothesis was that acute exposure to violent media (videogames, film) would increase risk of aberrant social behaviour by reducing the aversive value of distress cues and eliciting negative emotional states. We further hypothesized susceptibility to violent media would differ as a function of pre-existing traits known to impact aggressive outcomes, and enjoyment of violent content.

Chapter 2 described the use of fMRI to determine whether acute and cumulative violent gaming was associated with neurocognitive markers of aggression as a function of trait-empathy. Neither behavioural ratings nor empathy-related brain activity varied as a function of violent gaming exposure. Exploratory whole brain analyses suggested activation patterns in somatosensory and motor cortices, and reflected an interaction between violent gaming exposure and trait-empathy. Chapter 3 used a behavioural experiment to determine whether acute and cumulative violent film exposure altered aspects of social cognition, and whether observed effects differed as a function of individual traits. Although there was no evidence acute violent film exposure impacted social cognition, greater cumulative exposure was associated with lower cognitive empathy and greater affective sharing towards negative images. Using the same sample, Chapter 4 explored how individual differences in terms of personality and enjoyment of violent content influenced emotional states following violent media exposure. Increases in state anger and anxiety were observed following violent film exposure, whereby individuals reporting less enjoyment showed the greatest increases in state anger. Enjoyment of violent content was also observed to vary as a function of trait sadism. Across all studies, results were inconsistent with a straightforward relationship between violent media and broader social functioning strongly related to aggressive behaviour. Results presented across studies highlight the importance of considering individual differences and other aspects social functioning beyond aggressive behaviour to elucidate effects of violent media and best inform public concern regarding safe media practices.

Summary for Lay Audience

Although parents, news media, and policy makers have long been concerned about the negative consequences of violent media use, the impact of violent media remains a controversial topic of debate among researchers. The association between violent media and aggressive outcomes sited by some has been questioned due to flaws in research design and the limited understanding of how individuals may differ in their responses to violent media. To address these concerns, the three studies investigated the impact of violent gaming and film on broader social factors and emotional responses, with an emphasis on exploring individual differences in response to violent media.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in Chapter 1 to examine the effects of violent videogame exposure on brain activation in areas associated with emotional empathy. No activation-related differences were observed in such areas following exposure to violent versus non-violent videogame play. Chapter 3 used an experiment to assess whether exposure to violent film impacted aspects of social cognition (i.e., empathy, emotion recognition). Whereas brief exposure to film had no impact on social cognition, longer-term exposure was associated with a weaker understanding of the mental state of others (i.e., cognitive empathy), as well as an increased sharing of others’ negative emotional states (i.e., emotional empathy). Finally, Chapter 4 used an experiment to explore how individual differences in terms of personality and enjoyment of violent content impacted negative emotions following violent media exposure. Participants exposed to violent films reported feeling angrier and more anxious than those who watched non-violent films. Feelings of anger were greatest among individuals reporting less enjoyment of violent content. Additionally, viewers with a tendency to experience pleasure from observing or inflicting pain on others (i.e., trait sadism) reported greater enjoyment of violence. Overall, this research highlights the importance of examining factors beyond aggression and considering trait differences, as well as differences in enjoyment, when evaluating the potential consequences of violent media.

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