Media Violence and Other Aggression Risk Factors in Seven Nations

First Published April 7, 2017 Research Article Find in PubMed

Authors

1
 
Iowa State University, Ames, USA
by this author
, 2
 
University of Tsukuba, Japan
by this author
, 1
 
Iowa State University, Ames, USA
by this author
,
1
 
Iowa State University, Ames, USA
by this author
, 1
 
Iowa State University, Ames, USA
by this author
, 1
 
Iowa State University, Ames, USA
by this author
, 1
 
Iowa State University, Ames, USA
by this author
, 3
 
Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
by this author
, 3
 
Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
by this author
, 4
 
University of Potsdam, Germany
by this author
, 5
 
University of Zagreb, Croatia
by this author
, 6
 
Beijing Normal University, China
by this author
, 7
 
West University of Timisoara, Romania
by this author
, 8
 
Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
by this author
, 6
 
Beijing Normal University, China
by this author
, 9
 
Tokai University, Tokyo, Japan
by this author
, 6
 
Beijing Normal University, China
by this author
, 7
 
West University of Timisoara, Romania
by this author
...
First Published Online: April 7, 2017

Cultural generality versus specificity of media violence effects on aggression was examined in seven countries (Australia, China, Croatia, Germany, Japan, Romania, the United States). Participants reported aggressive behaviors, media use habits, and several other known risk and protective factors for aggression. Across nations, exposure to violent screen media was positively associated with aggression. This effect was partially mediated by aggressive cognitions and empathy. The media violence effect on aggression remained significant even after statistically controlling a number of relevant risk and protective factors (e.g., abusive parenting, peer delinquency), and was similar in magnitude to effects of other risk factors. In support of the cumulative risk model, joint effects of different risk factors on aggressive behavior in each culture were larger than effects of any individual risk factor.

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