Perceived Realism as a Moderator of the Association between Media Exposure and Beliefs about Sexual Interactions and Assault
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Jennifer Linder and Judith Zatkin
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Psychology
Description
Survey research with young adults (N= 119) examined the associations among media exposure, perceived realism of media, and beliefs about sexual interactions and assault. Viewers who reported higher perceived realism of media were more likely to endorse the heterosexual script and several rape myths, above and beyond media exposure. One implication of these findings is that interventions aimed to reduce the effects of media on risky sexual behaviors should focus on viewer perceptions of the realism of media portrayals of sexual and romantic interactions, rather than simply time spent with media.
Recommended Citation
Aradine, Madison P.; Nelson, Sofia G.; Foltz, Madelyn A.; Collins, Sophia J.; Jensen, Nissa; and Gutierrez, Melissa, "Perceived Realism as a Moderator of the Association between Media Exposure and Beliefs about Sexual Interactions and Assault" (2022). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 35.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2022/all/35
Perceived Realism as a Moderator of the Association between Media Exposure and Beliefs about Sexual Interactions and Assault
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Survey research with young adults (N= 119) examined the associations among media exposure, perceived realism of media, and beliefs about sexual interactions and assault. Viewers who reported higher perceived realism of media were more likely to endorse the heterosexual script and several rape myths, above and beyond media exposure. One implication of these findings is that interventions aimed to reduce the effects of media on risky sexual behaviors should focus on viewer perceptions of the realism of media portrayals of sexual and romantic interactions, rather than simply time spent with media.
