MTV Reality Shows and Adolescents’ Intentions Towards Smoking and Alcohol Use: BIS/BAS and Social Norms

• In Event: Adolescents and Media: Working Toward Adulthood

Abstract

Previous research provided support for an association between media use and health-related risk behavior such as smoking and alcohol use. Nevertheless, research on the influence of MTV reality shows on these behaviors is lacking. The current study examined the influence of this genre from a normative pathway and by exploring the role of neuropsychological systems, BAS and BIS. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 922 adolescents (M=14.96 years, 56% girls). The results indicated that BAS is positively related to the viewing of MTV shows, while BIS is not. Support was found for a positive association between MTV shows and intentions towards getting drunk, binge-drinking and smoking. Furthermore, these associations are partially mediated by descriptive peer norms. Also, approval of risk behavior by friends strengthened the association between descriptive norms and intentions. The injunctive family norms, however, did not moderate this relationship. No moderation of BAS and BIS was found.

Authors

• Jolien Vangeel, U of Leuven - School for Mass Communication Research

• Nancy Rhodes, Michigan State University

• Kathleen Beullens, U of Leuven - School for Mass Communication Research

• Lien Goossens, Ghent U

• Leentje Vervoort, Ghent U

• Nathalie De Cock, Ghent U

• Wendy Van Lippevelde, Ghent U

• Steven Eggermont, U of Leuven - School for Mass Communication Research