Perceptions of responsible and irresponsible models of sexuality: A correlational study

Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire? Reality Dating Television Programs, Attitudes Toward Sex, and Sexual Behaviors

“…A strict cultivation model (Gerbner et al, 1994), focused solely on the amount of media intake, could not explain these findings. Instead, they are consistent with more constructivist approaches that emphasize the active role played by the viewer; for example, in identifying with particular characters and judging how realistic a television program is (Fabes & Strouse, 1987;Huesmann & Eron, 1986;Huesmann, Moise-Titus, Podolski, & Eron, 2003;Potter, 1986;Ward & Rivadeneyra, 1999) or in watching television with the goal of learning or being entertained (Aubrey et al, 2003;Ward, 2002;Ward & Rivadeneyra, 1999). Regression results further revealed interesting similarities and differences between the two types of viewer involvement.…”

“…Furthermore, viewer involvement may mediate the effects of television viewing on attitudes and behaviors. In assessing the contribution of viewer involvement, researchers have found that viewers who identify more strongly with the characters (Fabes & Strouse, 1987), who find the programs to be more realistic (Potter, 1986), and who view television for specific purposes (Kim & Rubin, 1997) are more likely to be affected by the content they view. For example, in Ward's (2002) study, women who used television for entertainment and to learn about the world expressed greater acceptance of traditional gender roles and gender stereotypical attitudes toward sex (e.g., men are sex-driven, women are sex objects, and dating is a game).…”

Uncommonly good: Exploring how mass media may be a positive influence on young women's sexual health and development

“…Findings from survey data indicate that identifying with popular characters and perceiving media figures as role models is indeed associated with students' sexual attitudes and behavior. For example, Fabes and Strouse (1987) found that undergraduates choosing a media figure or peer as a model of sexual behavior reported more frequent intercourse than those selecting parent or educator models. Similarly, Ward and Friedman (2006) report that stronger identification with popular TV characters is associated with higher levels of sexual experience among high school students.…”

Children, Adolescents, and the Media

“…141 When college students are asked to identify models of responsible and irresponsible sexual behavior, they select primarily media figures. 143 Those who select media figures as models of sexual responsibility have more permissive sexual attitudes and higher rates of sexual activity themselves. 143 Finally, in a 2002 nationwide poll of more than 500 15-to 17-year-olds, nearly three fourths of the teens believe that the sexual content on TV influences the behavior of kids their own age (Fig 1).…”