Informing policies in forensic settings: a review of research investigating the effects of exposure to media violence on challenging/offending behaviour

Abstract

This review collates the empirical evidence on the behavioural effects of media violence. It assesses the content of different forms of media to which patients in secure services could be exposed. Numerous explanations for behaving aggressively are examined, using a variety of theoretical backgrounds. The effect of viewing different forms of violence on individuals' behaviour is also examined. The review includes positive influences of exposure to media violence, though the main findings are that exposure to aggressive and violent material increases aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The review presents research on violence depicted in films, video games, comic books and song lyrics, and assesses its impact on aggressive and inappropriate behaviour; it also addresses exposure to weapons. We conclude by outlining how this research could influence policy on the resources made available to forensic populations, advocating assessment of the suitability of presenting a particular piece of media violence to the individual rather than a whole population, and the possibility that individual responses to media violence can be a useful assessment tool.

Citation

Steward, J. and Follina, F. (2006), "Informing policies in forensic settings: a review of research investigating the effects of exposure to media violence on challenging/offending behaviour", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 31-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636646200600012