Adolescents' Coping With Frightening Mass Media

In: Communication research, Volume 22, Issue 3, p. 325-346

Abstract

A total of 228 9th and 10th graders completed a questionnaire that measured (among other variables) the use and perceived effectiveness of strategies for coping with scary films (distraction, unreality, momentary avoidance, interpersonal comfort), coping style (monitoring, blunting), and two dimensions of empathy (empathic concern, personal distress). Regression analyses identified predictors of each strategy for coping with scary films. In general, the results for coping style were consistent with evidence that blunting is characterized by distraction or reinterpretation of scary events, whereas monitoring is characterized by attention to threat cues. With regard to empathy, results were consistent with expectations based on the other-oriented focus of empathic concern and the self-oriented focus of personal distress. Findings also suggested that effective coping may enhance empathic viewers' enjoyment of scary films. Finally, gender differences in coping were interpreted as evidence of gender role socialization of emotions.