Direct and Indirect Aggression on Prime-Time Network Television

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of 3 types of aggression on prime-time television during the spring of 2005. Verbal aggression was found to be the most prevalent, followed by indirect and physical. Physical aggression appeared more frequently among Caucasians and males. Female characters were more involved in indirect aggression, while verbal aggression was sex neutral. In general, minority racial and ethnic groups were found to be less aggressive than Caucasians. Depictions of cross-sex and cross-cultural aggression seemed relatively balanced. Social learning implications of the findings are discussed. The daily news is filled with stories of conflict. And our TV sitcom “entertainment” is almost always based on conflict and people who handle it poorly. In fact much of the so-called “humor” in those sitcoms is nothing more than a series of destructive, damaging putdowns. As a result, I don't watch much of it. —Dr. Alan Zimmerman (2006) Zimmerman, A. (2006, February 7). Dr. Zimmerman's Tuesday tips: Tip #295 on conflict and difficult people. Retrieved June 3, 2006, from http://tuesdaytip.com/index.php/2006/02/ [Google Scholar] motivational speaker