A Multidimensional Scale to Assess Reflective Thoughts About Violent Media Content – Development and Cross-Cultural Validation

• In Event: Media Violence, Agression, and Suspense

Abstract

Media violence research has mainly focused on aggression effects so far. But are audiences' thoughts about violent portrayals actually confined to aggressive fantasies? This study examines more complex thought processes that involve reflection and meaning-making about violence as a fact of social reality. Using an item pool derived from qualitative research, we conducted two studies in the US (N = 431) and Germany (N = 412) to develop and validate a multidimensional self-report scale that taps different types of violence-related thoughts. Factor analytical findings and validation analyses provide evidence and measurement for five dimensions of reflective thoughts about violent media content, including 1) the true story behind it, 2) lessons that can be learnt from it, 3) own and close others’ experiences with violence, 4) human cruelty and suffering from violence, and 5) moral complexities of violence.

Authors

• Anne Bartsch, University of Leipzig

• Marie-Louise Mares, U of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Communication Arts

• Andrea Kloss, University of Leipzig