A Matter of Style? The Differential Effects of Parental Mediation on Early Adolescents’ Media Violence Exposure and Aggression

• In Event: Extended Session: Parental Mediation

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different styles (autonomy-supportive, controlling, or inconsistent) of restrictive and active parental mediation on adolescents’ media violence exposure and aggression. Using data from a two-wave longitudinal survey among 942 adolescents (10 to 14 years; 50.3% girls), results indicate that restrictive mediation communicated in an autonomy-supportive style was cross-sectionally related to decreased media violence exposure and aggression. Alternatively, inconsistent restrictive mediation was cross-sectionally related to increased media violence and aggression. No longitudinal relationships were found for any restrictive mediation styles. Active mediation did not moderate the relationship between media violence exposure and aggression – regardless of the style used. Findings suggest that autonomy-supportive restriction may be an effective route for parents who are concerned about their child’s media violence exposure and aggressive behavior.

Authors

• Karin Fikkers, ASCoR, University of Amsterdam

• Jessica Taylor Piotrowski, U of Amsterdam

• Patti M. Valkenburg, University of Amsterdam