Interaction Effects of Television and Socioeconomic Status on Teenage Aggression

Abstract

In contrast to past research studies which have sought a link between television violence and aggression, the present study sought a link between family-life television content and subsequent aggressive behavior. Based on Berkowitz’ theory of the ‘revolution of rising expectations’, it was hypothesized that for youth low socioeconomic status, television portrayals of middle-class lifestyles could constitute a more aversive stimulus than could portrayed violence. Subjects were ethnically homogeneous low and middle socioeconomic status adolescents who were exposed to either a violent or a family-life television program. Aggression was measured in natural, interpersonal socialization, rather than in contrived, artificial criterion measures. No differences were found in aggressive behavior between low and middle SES youth; low SES youth showed no more aggression to family-life television than to violent fare. Research implications and educational suggestions are discussed. © 1992, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.