Aggression, Movies and

Issues in Research on Movie Violence

From the 1920s to the present, hundreds of studies have been conducted to determine whether movie violence causes aggression in viewers. However, it must be noted that many studies conflate movie and television effects, with the findings generalized to both forms of media. Although there are many similarities between the two, there are also some differences. Violence in movies is often presented more realistically, more graphically, and in larger-than-life images, thus heightening the intensity of the viewing experience. In addition, viewers watch movies more attentively in comparison to television, which is watched in the home environment and therefore one may be distracted and watch with less involvement. However, due to the accessibility of television, viewers are exposed to more violence in TV programs than on film. Further complicating the issue is the fact that movies can also be watched at home on the TV screen. However, despite some differences, concerns about the violent content of movies and TV are generally the [Page 83]same. One of the persistent questions has been whether exposure to these violent images causes aggression in children and youth.

At least two primary areas of contention exist among researchers who investigate this topic. The first is the problem of defining and operationalizing the terms violence and aggression. Violence is generally defined as an extreme form of aggression involving intention and harm and resulting in acts such as aggravated assault or murder. However, it can be depicted in animated films, dramas, comedies, horror movies, action movies, science fiction, war stories, and documentaries. Because violence can be presented in widely varying forms, generalization about effects becomes problematic. Studies have demonstrated that violence portrayed humorously, for instance, may be interpreted differently from violence presented realistically. Other contextual factors have also been shown to affect interpretation and impact, including identification with the perpetrator or victim, motives for violence, consequences of violence, and the nature, duration, and graphic nature of the violence.

Aggression is typically defined as behavior directed toward another with the intent to harm. Studies of aggression often include verbal as well as physical acts. A key area of disagreement among media researchers is whether aggressive play, often known as rough-and-tumble play, should be grouped together with other forms of aggressive behaviors (pushing, hitting, shoving). Many researchers have included rough play in their measurements of overall aggression in children. However, this has been disputed, as there is no intent to harm. Such play demonstrates excitement and arousal but not necessarily aggression.

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