The Context of Graphic Portrayals of Television Violence

Abstract

This content analysis identifies the web of context that typically appears in the portrayal of television fictional violence. Highly graphic portrayals of violence are most likely in live action non-humorous programs with human perpetrators and targets. Graphicness was also found to vary across consequences to the victim, levels of reward, and use of weapons. The web of context that typically surrounds highly graphic portrayals is likely to lead to a fear effect more so than to desensitization or disinhibition.