Does Reality Backbite? Physical, Verbal, and Relational Aggression in Reality Television Programs

Abstract

Aggression portrayed realistically is more likely to be imitated than non-realistic aggression. However, despite its ultimate claim to reality, the portrayal of aggression in reality television programs has rarely been examined. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and portrayal of three different types of aggression in popular reality and non-reality programs on UK television. As a whole, there was more relational aggression in reality programs than in non-reality programs. When programs were analyzed separately, some programs contained high levels of relational and verbal aggression, yet no physical aggression. Implications for television ratings are discussed.