Violent Media Effects on Well-being: The Moderating Role of Media Preference

Abstract

The present research aimed to investigate media violence impacts on positive and negative affective well-being, as well as media preference's moderating role. To this end, three online experiments were conducted, using film (N = 210, mean age = 28.58, SD = 11.77, 63.3% women), music (N = 213, mean age = 25.82, SD = 8.35, 73.70% women), and books (N = 200, mean age = 25.69, SD = 8.55, 70% women) as a stimulus. Results indicated that violent media decreases positive affects and increases negative affects, especially regarding exposure to music and films. Media preference's role provided mixed results. In general, this research can contribute to spreading awareness regarding the negative impacts of media violence on mental health and well-being.

Keywords

violent media subjective well-being affects media preference

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