Are Graphic Media Violence, Aggression and Moral Disengagement Related?

Abstract

It is well established that violent media can increase levels of aggression. The aim of the present study was to examine whether cognitive distortions mediate the relationship between enjoyment of violent media and the frequency in which people are exposed to violent media, and whether this exposure to violent media mediates the relationship between cognitive distortions and levels of aggression. Eighty-six participants completed questionnaires assessing enjoyment of and frequent exposure to film and television violence, lyrical violence in music, and computer game violence. Participants were also assessed with respect to frequency of aggression and moral disengagement. Mediation analysis indicated partial mediation effects of moral disengagement regarding the relationship between enjoyment of violent media and the frequency of exposure to violent media; and full mediation effects of moral disengagement in the frequency of exposure to violent media–aggression relationship. The study emphasizes the role that cognitive distortions such as moral disengagement play in digesting violent media, making it more acceptable and therefore increasing the likelihood of higher levels of aggression.