Is seeing believing? : exploring positive psychological effects of entertainment media

Abstract

This thesis is an examination of whether ostensibly inspirational media has measurable positive effects on psychological states and traits, and of the predictors of those effects. Previous research concerning entertainment media effects has focused primarily on consumerism, materialism, violence, and sex. There has been little emphasis on potential advantages of identifying with a protagonist experiencing personal growth, as occurs through most popular films and stories. It was hypothesized that identification with such a protagonist would predict positive changes in psychological states and traits. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, participants (N= 127) completed a set of baseline psychological measures and returned two weeks later, completed a measure of mood, and viewed an inspiring film. Afterwards participants repeated all previous measures and completed measures of identification and transportation. Participants experienced an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect from pre- to post-film, and identification with the protagonists both predicted positive changes in locus of control, self-esteem, and hope. Transportation also predicted increased positive affect post-film. The second study substituted a novella for the film. Participants' (N=109) locus of control moved internal from pre- to post-novella. Identification with the protagonist predicted an increase in self-esteem. Transportation predicted an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect. Limitations of the research and implications of inspiring media potentially having positive psychological effects are discussed.