Familial, Peer, and Television Influences on Aggressive and Violent Behavior (From Childhood Aggression and Violence: Sources of Influence, Prevention, and Control, P 231-247, 1987, David H Crowell, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-112364)

• NCJ Number: 112372
• Author(s): D Pearl
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Plenum Publishing Corp
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter reviews research into family, peer, and environmental factors in childhood aggression and violence, with particular attention on the influence of television viewing.

Abstract

Demographic studies indicate that antisocial and aggressive behaviors are more common among males and tend to decline with increasing age. Attempts to predict later antisocial behavior and serious juvenile offending have implicated early antisocial behavior, poor school achievement and learning problems, association with delinquent peers, parental discord, the absence of a stable relationship with parents, and erratic or deviant parenting methods. Numerous studies have examined the effects of television viewing on childhood aggression and violence, and a large body of literature now supports a causal link between television viewing and violent and other antisocial behaviors in both boys and girls. Television may play a role through modeling and shaping behavioral styles, in determining how and when antisocial behavior is expressed, or by serving as a triggering mechanism for overt behavior that otherwise might be inhibited. It also may serve to desensitize viewers, resulting in acceptance of higher levels of aggression and lessened empathy for victims. Limited and purposeful viewing, content control, and parental mediation may help to counter possible undesirable effects of media viewing. 38 references.