This is a Powerpoint version of my research study that was presented at the 2010 Midwestern Psychological Association/Psi Chi Conference in Chicago, IL on April 29, 2010.

1. College Students’ Experiences with the Media and Interpersonal Attitudes Courtney Lynn Edgar Advisor: Jeanne Brockmyer, Ph.D. University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606

2. Abstract This study investigates the effects and exposure of violent media (specifically animated Disney movies and video games) on individuals’ interpersonal attitudes and individuals’ tendencies to endorse the use of relational aggression. 146 research participants completed a questionnaire with demographic questions, questions regarding favorite media, Likert Scale questions, and two short answer response scenarios. The data collected did not yield significant results that matched the planned analyses; however, it was found that males show increased sensitivity to relational aggression in video games and females show increased sensitivity to relational aggression in movies. This information can be used to assess potential effects violent media has on individuals in his/her interpersonal relationships and tolerance for attitudes toward violence.

4. There will be a significant relationship between exposure to violent media and participant acceptance of relational aggression.

6. Participantswere obtained through the Sona-Systems Human Subject Research Pool.

7. 58 Males

8. 87 Females

10. Questionnaire contained material borrowed from an established relational aggression questionnaire and questions created by the researcher.

11. Likert Scale Questions (1=Never, 3=Sometimes, 5=Always)

12. Get other people to dislike others

13. Threaten to break off a friendship

14. Try to destroy someone’s relationship

15. Spread rumors

16. Make fun of someone so that it makes them look stupid

17. Gossip

18. Leave people out on purpose

19. Make fun of people behind someone’s back

20. Become friends with others

22. Method Cont. Scenario 2 Lauren and Kate have been best friends since elementary school. They are now enrolled at the same college, but Lauren is a Biology major and Kate is an Anthropology major so they don’t see each as often as they did in high school. This semester, Lauren and Kate both have the same Introduction to Biology class, and are very excited to finally have a class together. One day, Lauren and Kate are discussing last night’s homework and Jake, a Sociology major who is also taking the biology class, comes up to them starts talking about the homework as well. As the semester goes on, both Lauren and Kate begin to start to like Jake. Lauren tells Kate she likes Jake one day before class, and after class that same day Jake asks Kate out. Kate agrees to go out on a date with Jake on Friday, and Lauren is very upset with Kate. If you were Lauren, what would you do?

23. Results

25. ANOVAS were not significant for the planned analyses.

26. Scenario responses were coded according to expression of relational aggression, with 0=No relational aggression presented and 1=Relational aggression presented

28. Practical Applications Although our hypotheses were not supported, some findings of this study may provide practical applications to health-related fields. There is little difference between males and females using relational aggression, showing that relational aggression may not be a female issue. It also appears that females may be more sensitive to violence in movies, and males are more sensitive to violence in video games. Implications of this study can be used to assess the potential effects of violent media on individuals in his/her relationships and potential tolerance for attitudes toward violence.