Mass media exposure and Church of Christ adolescents' perceptions of sexual morality: A test of the cultivation hypothesis
Abstract
The role of media cultivation as an enduring analytical framework for basic studies of television audiences is extensively reviewed. A research gap in the domain of religious beliefs is identified, and the grounds for extending cultivation analysis to media other than television are explicated. The results of a national survey of media consumption patterns and perceptions of sexual morality are reported. Participants included more than 800 Church of Christ adolescents. Six hypotheses were advanced: Perceptions of morality regarding pre- and extramarital sex were assessed for both heavy and light consumers of television, radio and popular music, and feature films. Compared to light consumers, heavy consumers of television, radio and popular music, and feature films were more likely to report permissive perceptions of extramarital sex. Compared to light consumers, heavy consumers of radio and popular music were more likely to report permissive perceptions of premarital sex. The differences between heavy and light consumers of television and film with regard to premarital sex were not significant. In addition to quantity of media exposure, the role of respondents' attachment to television, radio and popular music, and feature film was explored. The data reveal that regardless of medium examined or the amount of content consumed, respondents who reported comparatively high degrees of media attachment also reported comparatively more permissive perceptions of sexual morality.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Ogles, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Mass media|Religion
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