Exploring the impact of media consumption on interpersonal interaction intentions: an examination of the social effect of exposure to mental illness

Riles, Julius Matthew

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/90764 Copy

Description

Title

Exploring the impact of media consumption on interpersonal interaction intentions: an examination of the social effect of exposure to mental illness

Author(s)

Riles, Julius Matthew

Issue Date

2016-04-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Tewksbury, David

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Tewksbury, David

Committee Member(s)

• Wilson, Barbara
• Dixon, Travis
• Quick, Brian

Department of Study

Communication

Discipline

Communication

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Media effects
• interpersonal
• social perceptions
• experiment
• mental illness
• prejudice
• stigma

Abstract

I propose a technique for analyzing the influence of media consumption on social inclinations pertaining to those depicted, an effect which scarcely receives the attention for which it is exceptionally deserving. Via the explication of principal concepts regarding social dispositions and inclinations, and describing how existing psychological and media effects theory can be utilized to predict how media exposure could influence interpersonal inclinations, I produce a model of mediated interaction intentions. Furthermore, I offer an experiment in which various forms of media exposure – all of which would theoretically increase the accessibility of negative conceptions of individuals with mental illness – are examined with regard to their ability to inform social stigma and prejudice perceptions. Those perceptions are then assessed, via meditation modeling, for their impact on interpersonal interaction intentions. The findings are discussed in terms of their support for my overall predicted model. Additionally, where support is observed, particular implications of those findings will be discussed. Where support is not observed, speculation about why expectations were not met will be provided. This dissertation will contribute to the field of media effects research by attempting to provide a holistic account of the impact of media messages on social inclinations by exploring the psychological mechanisms by which depictions indirectly influence interaction intentions. Ultimately, I attempt to provide a model which will be useful to future researchers concerned with the influence of media messages on interpersonal interaction. Though future refinements are likely necessary to enhance the prediction value of this model, it should lay the groundwork for a nuanced conceptualization of the impact of media on social outcomes.

Graduation Semester

2016-05

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90764

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2016 Julius Riles

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