The Role of Perceived Peer Norms in the Relationship Between Media Violence Exposure and Aggression

• In Event: Critical Discoveries About Violence and Conflict in Media

Abstract

Media violence and perceived peer norms have both been studied as predictors of adolescents’ aggression, but never in combination. Yet, theoretical models indicate multiple ways in which peer norms may affect the relationship between media violence and aggression. This study tested three such ways: peer norms as moderator, as mediator, and as both moderator and mediator. A two-wave longitudinal survey measured media violence exposure, perceived descriptive and injunctive norms, and aggressive behavior among 943 adolescents (aged 10 to 14, 50.4% girls). Results provided support for the moderated-mediation model. The indirect effect of media violence on aggression via perceived peer approval of aggression (i.e., injunctive norms) was moderated by perceived prevalence of peer aggression (i.e., descriptive norms). Specifically, media violence indirectly increased aggressive behavior for adolescents who perceived more peer aggression, but decreased aggression for adolescents who perceived less peer aggression. Implications for conceptualizing media violence effects are discussed.

Authors

• Karin Fikkers, ASCoR, University of Amsterdam

• Jessica Taylor Piotrowski, U of Amsterdam

• Peter Lugtig, Utrecht U

• Patti M. Valkenburg, U of Amsterdam