No abstract

Testing hypotheses derived from regret and mood management theories, this research explores how regretted experiences impact interest in viewing experience-relevant TV programming and such viewing's effects on program enjoyment and felt regret. One hundred and forty-four participants, half of whom had been unfaithful in romantic relationships, were asked first to rate their interest in viewing a series of storylines and then to provide their reactions to 1 of 2 versions of a TV program depicting cheating behavior. Largely consistent with hypotheses, results indicated that those who had both cheated and felt regret about their behavior were more likely than others to want to watch experience-related storylines, were no less likely to enjoy watching such programming, and particularly preferred viewing the program version in which the main character rationalized, rather than expressed regret for, her behavior. Both program versions, however, reduced regret equally. A survey of 206 city residents also offered evidence consistent with predictions based on regret theory. Overall, this research speaks to the value of integrating theories of emotion with media theory to enhance the latter's predictive ability.

This study examines televised portrayals of sexual intercourse. Programs (N ¼ 152) representing the overall television landscape are assessed for the presentation of intercourse acts, the characters who engage in them, and their consequences. Results indicate that 16% of characters involved in sexual intercourse acts on television are teenagers or young adults. Female participants are more attractive and more likely to be victims of sexual crimes than male characters. Consequences of sexual intercourse portrayed are mostly emotional in nature and tend to be more positive than negative in valence. Positive consequences tend to be transient whereas negative consequences are presented as more enduring and emotionally impactful. Though HBO includes the greatest number of shows with sexual intercourse acts, few differences across channels are observed in the presentation of sexual intercourse, indicating a

This paper examines the portrayal of sexual messages in the top 20 most popular television programs among teenagers in the United States. It compares findings from the 20012002 and 20042005 seasons. Results show that these programs contained a large number of sexual messages, though their frequency decreased over time. Most messages about sex were in the form of conversations. About 1 in 2 shows included portrayals of sexual behaviors, mostly precursory behaviors. Sexual risk and responsibility concerns were rarely addressed. Most consequences for sexual intercourse portrayed in 20042005 were negative, a significant change from 20012002. The findings implications for adolescents sexual socialization are discussed.One of the critical challenges facing young people today is developing a healthy understanding of their sexuality. The U. S. Surgeon General (2001) has underscored the importance of this task as one of the nations leading public health concerns. Knowledge about sexually related matters that is gained in formative years builds the foundation for beliefs and attitudes about sex that can influence each individuals life-long pattern of sexual behavior.Parents, peers, and schools play a central role in the sexual socialization process. Yet the mass media, and particularly television, are another important element likely to contribute to young peoples sexual development (American Academy of Pediat-) is a lecturer in the Sammy Ofer School of Communications at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel. Her research interests include media content and effects, with a focus on youth socialization. Dale Kunkel (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is a Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona, where he studies children and media effects.Erica N. Biely (M.A., University of Arizona) is a research specialist in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Keli L. .innerty (M.A., Pepperdine University) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Communication at the University of Arizona. Her research interests include media effects and media content.

This study examines portrayals of acts and consequences of sexual intercourse on prime-time television programs. Results indicate that few types of consequences of intercourse are presented, headed by emotional outcomes. Both acts of intercourse and their consequences receive only minimal focus within programs. Consequences are nearly equally positively and negatively valenced, but have a slight leaning toward being portrayed as transient and emotionally insignificant. Movies include the greatest number of acts of sexual intercourse and the most consequences for this behavior. Generic differences are also identified in the contextual presentation of consequences. Findings are discussed in light of effects on viewers.Characterizing the patterns of portrayals of sexual messages on television is a crucial task facing communication scholars, especially considering the scientific evidence regarding the effects of such messages on audience members. This study reports on a content analysis of sexual intercourse portrayals on prime-time television shows. It examines the consequences portrayed for this behavior as well as important contextual elements in these portrayals, including the consequences' valence, duration of impact, extent of emotional impact, and emphasis placed on them within shows.A growing body of research has established that exposure to high amounts of televised sexual content contributes to viewers' perceptions about sex and sexual behaviors (e.g.,