Media and Relationships

Paper Summary:

This study reviews current models of thinking surrounding marriage, as it is portrayed in the media. It evaluates how the media influences current thinking about marriage and discusses if that influence has extended to create changes in behavior. The writer hypothesizes that media influences tend to result in a lower level of satisfaction with current relationships for the average viewer, even when one is in a steady and fulfilling relationship.

Table of Contents:
Review of Literature and Rational Section
Introduction/Statement of the problem
Review of Literature
Research Questions and Hypothesis

From the Paper:

"The social aspects and effects of television and the media cannot be underestimated. It appears that the role models we set for relationships begin for our children from the very earliest age, and that the affect of media appears to be more significant than the role that we play ourselves in the overall modeling of relationship behaviors for our children and for our peers. It is fallacy to believe that we can live lives like those we see on television - these worlds are not real. Yet do people really base their satisfaction in marital relationship on what they see on television? It would appear to be so, in that we base what we want in our homes, in our garages, in our bodies and in our cupboards on what we see on television. Why not base what we want in our mates on the same thing. To date, while there exists a significant body of evidence surrounding the effect of media images on children and adolescents, there is little which specifically addressed how we see our relationships. Considering the divorce rate within the United States, this would appear to be a statistically significant issue to study and therefore a valid research project, as based upon the literature review."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blakeney, M., Barnes, S., & McKeough, J. (1983). Gender advertising: The self fulfilling prophecy? Australian Journal of Social Issues, 18, 171-181.
• Bates, B., & Bowker, J. (1997). Communication and the Sexes (2nd Ed.). Prospect heights, Illinois:Waveland Press, Inc
• Baumeister, R.F. (2000). Gender Differences in Erotic Plasticity: The Female Sex Drive as Socially Flexible and Responsive. Psych Bulletin, 3; 347-374
• Buerkel-Rothfuss, N. L., & Mayes, S. (1981). Soap opera viewing: The cultivation effect. Journal of Communication, 31, 108-115
• Byers, E. S. (1996). How well does the traditional sexual script explain sexual coercion Review of a program of research. Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, 8, 7-25

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