Yes, Another Teen Movie

Keywords

adolescent, aggression, content analysis, film, movie, violence

Abstract

The current study consisted of a content analysis of physical violence in films aimed at adolescents over the past three decades. A total of ninety films (thirty each from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s) were included in the sample. Gender and age of the aggressor were also assessed. As a whole, levels of violence decreased from the 1980s to the 2000s. However, this depended on the type of violence portrayed. Specifically, gun violence decreased over the past three decades, but other types of physical aggression (including indirect physical aggression) increased. Moreover, female violence doubled across the same period of time. Violence by teenage characters (as opposed to adults) was portrayed less frequently than expected. The influence of films on adolescent aggression is discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Coyne, S. M., Callister, M., & Robinson, T. (2010). Yes, another teen movie: Three decades of physical violence in films aimed at adolescents. Journal of Children and Media, 4, 387-401.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2010-11-05

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5222

Publisher

Journal of Children and Media

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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