NCJ Number
171526
Journal
American Journal of Orthopsychiatry Volume: 66 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1996) Pages: 378-389
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examines research findings concerning media violence and availability of firearms and their applicability to public policy efforts and recommendations for the prevention of violence.
Abstract
Research suggests that watching violent programs makes viewers less sensitive to violence. Children and adults who are exposed to television violence show less physiological arousal and are less likely to seek help for victims of violence. Boys who viewed more violent television programs at age 8 were more aggressive at age 18 and more likely to have engaged in serious criminal behavior at age 30. No significant relationship between television viewing and violent behavior was established for girls. More research is needed on the impact of violent television on children living in violent homes or communities, because the programs may reinforce messages the children are already getting at home and from their friends. Little has been done to prevent or minimize television violence, probably reflecting an aversion to censorship. The "V-chip" or "C-chip," which would put censorship of children's viewing in the hands of their parents, is the most frequently debated remedy. Stratified regression analyses indicated that the presence of a handgun was significantly associated with homicides, regardless of other factors, including race, sex, and age. Gun ownership was particularly strongly associated with homicide at the hands of a family member or intimate acquaintance. Policy recommendations regarding violence prevention have focused on limiting who can buy what kind of guns. Note, references