Coping with exposure to aggression: The path from research to practice

Abstract

Research findings and theory related to the effects of filmed violence on children are examined and discussed. The overall theme is bridging the gap between research and practice with particular emphasis on the control of material that deals with both televised and video-filmed violence. Findings are related to practical decisions about public access to such material and issues are outlined to illustrate major points of difference between pure and applied concerns in the professional practice of Psychology. Conclusions are also placed in the context of current arguments being made in Australia about public access to offensive material. The position is defended here that data point to the need in this country to find ways of improving communication about existing censorship procedures, and raising people's awareness of their responsibilities to their children. Policy formulation in the area is necessarily problematical, but there appear to be reasonable grounds for traversing the path from research to practice and formulating policy at this stage that takes better account of recent developments in the evidence.