Two sides to the same coin: relational and physical aggression in the media
Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research
ISSN: 1759-6599
Article publication date: 28 September 2012
Abstract
Purpose
This review aims to examine how aggression is portrayed in the media and how it can influence behavior and attitudes regarding aggression.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reviewed the relevant literature and examined both physical and relational forms of aggression in multiple media forms (television, film, video games, music, books).
Findings
Across media types, evidence is found that both physical and relational aggression are portrayed frequently and in ways that may contribute to subsequent aggression. Furthermore, though there are studies finding no effect of exposure to media aggression, evidence is found that watching physical and relational aggression in the media can contribute to aggressive behavior. Prominent media aggression theories are reviewed and some of these theories are applied to relational aggression media effects.
Research limitations/implications
Researchers should no longer ignore relational aggression in terms of the media, in terms of content and associations with aggressive behavior. Researchers should also focus on understudied media forms, such as music and books.
Practical implications
Policy makers should take careful note of the research on media and aggression when deciding on public policy and clinicians should inquire about media habits when clients show problematic aggressive behavior (physical or relational).
Originality/value
This paper is a valuable source of information regarding current research on media and aggression. Unlike other reviews, it focuses on multiple types of aggression (physical and relational) and multiple media types (TV, movies, video games, music, and books).
Keywords
Citation
Coyne, S.M., Stockdale, L. and Nelson, D.A. (2012), "Two sides to the same coin: relational and physical aggression in the media", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 186-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/17596591211270680
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited