Citation

Minnebo J. Media Psychol. 2006; 8(2): 65-93.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1207/s1532785xmep0802_2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines the relation between psychological distress as a result of criminal victimization and television exposure and viewing motives. Participants were 221 recent crime victims who were measured for "common" distress symptoms (Symptoms Check List-90), symptomatology associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (Self Inventarisation List), amount of television exposure, viewing motives, and selection of specific programs. Remarkable gender differences were found in the relation between psychological distress and amount of television exposure and gratifications sought from television. With regard to selective exposure, the results indicate that severity of distress symptoms may be a moderating factor in the affect-dependent stimulus arrangement theory (Zillmann & Bryant, 1985).
This study examines the relation between psychological distress as a result of criminal victimization and television exposure and viewing motives. Participants were 221 recent crime victims who were measured for "common" distress symptoms (Symptoms Check List-90), symptomatology associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (Self Inventarisation List), amount of television exposure, viewing motives, and selection of specific programs. Remarkable gender differences were found in the relation between psychological distress and amount of television exposure and gratifications sought from television. With regard to selective exposure, the results indicate that severity of distress symptoms may be a moderating factor in the affect-dependent stimulus arrangement theory (Zillmann & Bryant, 1985).