Influence of Media Viewing Habits on Attitude towards Aggression

Although violence is not a new phenomenon to the human race, it is an increasing issue throughout the world. Antisocial behavior in human beings is known to be related to a number of physiological, psychological, familial, and cultural factors. The learning conditions to which a child is exposed are also believed to contribute to the development of aggressive behavior and attitudes. One specific learning condition, media violence, is considered to be a potential contributor to the development of antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. Numerous studies have been conducted in the field of media violence and its effects on the young viewers. A major focus has been the relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior, but, interestingly, research regarding the relationship between media violence and attitudes about aggression is sparse. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to contribute to the state of the research by predicting and comparing attitudes about aggression among adolescent boys on the basis of their exposure to violence in movies.