Different Levels Of Aggressiveness Research Articles

Intraspecies diversity of Macrophomina phaseolina in Iran

To study the pathogenic and genetic diversity of the Macrophomina phaseolina in Iran, 52 isolates of the fungus were isolated from 24 host plants across the 14 Iranian provinces. All isolates were confirmed to the species based on the species-specific primers. The aggressiveness of M. phaseolina isolates was evaluated on the common bean. Based on the pathogenicity tests, M. phaseolina isolates from the different hosts displayed different levels of aggressiveness on the common beans. The results showed that there was significant variation in the aggressiveness of the pathogen; however, there was no distinct pattern of differentiation based on the host or geographical origin linked to the virulence of the isolates, as frequently theisolates from the same host or geographical origin had different levels of aggressiveness. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of the fungus. The unweighted pair-group method, using arithmetic mean clustering of data, showed that isolates did not clearly differentiate to the specific group according to the host or geographical origins; however, usually the isolates from the same host or the same geographical origin tend to group nearly. Our results did not show a correlation between the genetic diversity based on the ISSR and pathogenic patterns on common bean in the greenhouse. Similar to the M. phaseolina populations in the other countries, the Iranian isolates were highly diverse based on the pathogenic and genotypic characteristics.

Genetic adaptability of inheritance of resistance to biotic and abiotic stress level on crop: Role of epistasis

Several studies that attempt to identify the genetic basis of quantitative traits ignore the presence of epistatic effects and theirs role in plant genetic adaptability. Epistasis has been detected in the inheritance of many quantitative traits on crop. Moreover, generation means analysis of several traits assessed in diverse environmental conditions revealed that the mode of inheritance of each trait varied with the biotic or abiotic stress level. With less stress level, only additive and dominance effects was found significant. In contrast with moderate and higher stress level, epistatic effect was induced. Thus, a relationship was found between the complexity of model of inheritance and stress level. When the biotic or abiotic stress increases, epistasis effect was solicited and the more the stress increase, the amplitude of epistasis was more important and the model of inheritance was more complicated. This result was showed for resistance to 15 isolates of Septoria tritici in durum wheat with different levels of aggressiveness; for resistance to six isolates of Phytophthora nicotianae in pepper and for resistance to five salt concentrations at germination stage in durum wheat. Indeed, the generic effects of environment on genetic model of inheritance complicate the procedure of amelioration of quantitative traits. Hence, it is becoming evident that plant genetically expressed differences when operated in wide range of environments, and epistasis play a crucial role in genetic adeptness. The best way of crop breeding must therefore be investigated in each special environment. Key words : Epistasis, quantitative traits, genetic adaptation, environment.

Lipidomic approach to identify patterns in phospholipid profiles and define class differences in mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Altered cellular functions of cancer cells lead to uncontrolled cellular growth and morphological changes. Cellular biomembranes are intimately involved in the regulation of cell signaling; however, they remain largely understudied. Phospholipids (PLs) are the main constituents of biological membranes and play important functional, structural and metabolic roles. The aim of this study was to establish if patterns in the PL profiles of mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells differ in relation to degree of differentiation and metastatic potential. For this purpose, PLs were analyzed using a lipidomic approach. In brief, PLs were extracted using Bligh and Dyer method, followed by a separation of PL classes by thin layer chromatography, and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). Differences and similarities were found in the relative levels of PL content between mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells and between breast cancer cells with different levels of aggressiveness. When compared to the total PL content, phosphatidylcholine levels were reduced and lysophosphatydilcholines increased in the more aggressive cancer cells; while phosphatidylserine levels remained unchanged. MS analysis showed alterations in the classes of phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylinositides. In particular, the phosphatidylinositides, which are signaling molecules that affect proliferation, survival, and migration, showed dramatic alterations in their profile, where an increase of phosphatdylinositides saturated fatty acids chains and a decrease in C20 fatty acids in cancer cells compared with mammary epithelial cells was observed. At present, information about PL changes in cancer progression is lacking. Therefore, these data will be useful as a starting point to define possible PLs with prospective as biomarkers and disclose metabolic pathways with potential for therapy.

Isoenzymatic characterization of Colletotrichum kahawae isolates with different levels of aggressiveness

The hemibiotrophic fungus Colletotrichum kahawae is the causal agent of Coffee Berry Disease - CBD, an economically devastating disease restricted to Arabica coffee production in Africa. Understanding pathogen variability is crucial for the implementation of disease control measures. In this study, six isoenzymatic systems (esterase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, malate dehydrogenase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) were used to assess the genetic variation among 12 C. kahawae isolates (from different geographic origins and with different levels of aggressiveness towards coffee) and one Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolate (not pathogenic to green berries). Cluster analysis of the banding profiles obtained for the six enzymes enabled the differentiation of the two species and revealed the existence of intraspecific variability among C. kahawae isolates. Alkaline phosphatase was the most discriminative enzyme, allowing also the discrimination between the most and least aggressive isolates of C. kahawae.

Genetic Diversity and Aggressiveness of Ralstonia solanacearum Strains Causing Bacterial Wilt of Potato in Uruguay.

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a major disease affecting potato (Solanum tuberosum) production worldwide. Although local reports suggest that the disease is widespread in Uruguay, characterization of prevalent R. solanacearum strains in that country has not been done. In all, 28 strains of R. solanacearum isolated from major potato-growing areas in Uruguay were evaluated, including 26 strains isolated from potato tubers and 2 from soil samples. All strains belonged to phylotype IIB, sequevar 1 (race 3, biovar 2). Genetic diversity of strains was assessed by repetitive-sequence polymerase chain reaction, which showed that the Uruguayan strains constituted a homogeneous group. In contrast, inoculation of the strains on tomato and potato plants showed, for the first time, different levels of aggressiveness among R. solanacearum strains belonging to phylotype IIB, sequevar 1. Aggressiveness assays were also performed on accessions of S. commersonii, a wild species native to Uruguay that is a source of resistance for potato breeding. No significant interactions were found between bacterial strains and potato and S. commersonii genotypes, and differences in aggressiveness among R. solanacearum strains were consistent with previously identified groups based on tomato and potato inoculations. Moreover, variation in responses to R. solanacearum was observed among the S. commersonii accessions tested.

Genetic adaptability of the inheritance of the resistance to different levels of aggressiveness of Septoria tritici isolates in durum wheat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in the mode of inheritance for resistance in durum wheat to Septoria tritici with the aggressiveness level of the pathogen. Material for the study involved two wheat cross-combinations and offspring populations. In each cross, the parental genotypes, F 1, F 2, BC 1P r and BC 1P s were inoculated with 15 isolates of S. tritici with different levels of aggressiveness. Generation mean analysis revealed that the mode of inheritance varied with the aggressiveness level of isolates. For less aggressive isolates, in both crosses, only additive and dominance effects were determined. When tested with isolates with moderate levels of aggressiveness, the additive-dominance model was not sufficient to explain the variation in generation means; and a di-genic epistasis model was found appropriate. For a high level of aggressiveness, both additive-dominance and di-genic epistatic models failed to explain the phenotypic variation in generation means, and probably higher order interaction or genes linkage were present. The quantification of gene effects revealed that the absolute total of epistatic effects increased with aggressiveness level of the isolate. Selection based on less aggressive isolates would be simpler, because only additive and dominance effects are implicated, but the genetic mechanism will not be stable with isolates of high aggressiveness level. Thus, selection with highly aggressive isolats is suggested for the stability of resistance to S. tritici in durum wheat.

Cross-Sectional Study into the Costs and Impact on Family Functioning of 4-Year-Old Children with Aggressive Behavior

Early-onset aggressive behavior is known for its negative developmental consequences, and the associated high costs for families, the health care system and wider society. Although the origins of aggressive behavior are to be found in early childhood, the costs incurred by aggressive behavior of young children have not been studied extensively. The present study aimed to investigate whether preschool children with a high level of aggressive behavior already differ in the generated amount of costs and impact on family functioning from children with lower levels of aggressive behavior. A population-based sample of 317 preschool children was divided into four groups with different levels of aggression (moderate, borderline, clinical). Parents filled out questionnaires to assess service use (lifetime and past 3 months) and impact on family functioning. Over the past 3 months as well as over the first 4 years of life, children with a clinical level of aggression were more costly than children with a low level of aggression (mean total costs over the past 3 months: low = €167,05 versus clinical € = 1034,83 and mean lifetime costs: low € = 817,37 versus clinical € = 1433,04), due to higher costs of services used by the child. In addition, families of children with a borderline or clinical level of aggressive behavior reported more impairment in their daily functioning than families of children with lower levels of aggression. The findings demonstrate that a high level of aggressive behavior results in high costs and impaired family functioning in the preschool years already.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11121-011-0204-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Assessment Games and Competitive Behaviour of the Mangrove Tree-Dwelling Crab, Selatium Brockii (De Man, 1887) (Decapoda, Grapsidae)

Game theoretical models have been developed to understand the decisions of individuals to continue or stop fighting. These can be split into self assessment models (cumulative assessment model (CAM), war of attrition without assessment (WOA-WA), energetic WOA), where contestants only have information on their own fighting persistence, and mutual assessment models (sequential assessment game: SAM), where contestants exchange information on each other's competitive ability. Here, we assess if self or mutual assessment occurs in fights between male mangrove tree-dwelling crabs, Selatium brockii (De Man, 1887). Contests were staged in the presence of a female between focal crabs belonging to either of two different absolute size classes against a smaller, size-matched, and larger opponent. In line with mutual assessment models and CAM, contest duration increased when contestants were more matched in competitive ability (i.e., size) but was not significantly different between focal crab sizes. However, this pattern differed between focal crab size classes when competitors were smaller, with contests lasting longer for the larger size class. Different behaviours with different levels of aggression were employed during contests, suggesting that mutual assessment occurs. However, unlike current model predictions, the different behaviours were not used in increasing order of aggressiveness. Instead, the sequence of behaviours used during a contest both increased and decreased in aggressiveness. These observations suggest that contests are a form of unbalanced partial assessment, corroborating other recent empirical findings, and challenging theoreticians to formalize such contest dynamics.

Molecular identification of Fusarium spp. associated with bakanae disease of rice in Italy and assessment of their pathogenicity

Between 2006 and 2008, 146 isolates of Fusarium spp. were obtained from bakanae‐diseased rice plants and seeds from the major rice‐growing regions of Italy. These isolates were identified based on translation elongation factor (EF‐1α) sequence and pathogenicity tests were used to assess their aggressiveness against the susceptible rice cultivar Galileo. Use of the EF‐1α sequence gave reliable identification and showed that Fusarium fujikuroi, the causal agent of bakanae disease, was the most abundant Fusarium spp. isolated. These data were confirmed by inoculation of the isolates to rice seeds which were then germinated in the greenhouse, showing that only F. fujikuroi isolates were able to cause bakanae disease. Pathogenic isolates were identified with different levels of aggressiveness. Phylogenetic analysis based on EF‐1α sequences generated a tree which separated the various Fusarium species into different clusters with high bootstrap values.

Deciphering the Chemical Basis of Nestmate Recognition

Social insects maintain colony cohesion by recognizing and, if necessary, discriminating against conspecifics that are not part of the colony. This recognition ability is encoded by a complex mixture of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), although it is largely unclear how social insects interpret such a multifaceted signal. CHC profiles often contain several series of homologous hydrocarbons, possessing the same methyl branch position but differing in chain length (e.g., 15-methyl-pentatriacontane, 15-methyl-heptatriacontane, 15-methyl-nonatriacontane). Recent studies have revealed that within species these homologs can occur in correlated concentrations. In such cases, single compounds may convey the same information as the homologs. In this study, we used behavioral bioassays to explore how social insects perceive and interpret different hydrocarbons. We tested the aggressive response of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, toward nest-mate CHC profiles that were augmented with one of eight synthetic hydrocarbons that differed in branch position, chain length, or both. We found that Argentine ants showed similar levels of aggression toward nest-mate CHC profiles augmented with compounds that had the same branch position but differed in chain length. Conversely, Argentine ants displayed different levels of aggression toward nest-mate CHC profiles augmented with compounds that had different branch positions but the same chain length. While this was true in almost all cases, one CHC we tested elicited a greater aggressive response than its homologs. Interestingly, this was the only compound that did not occur naturally in correlated concentrations with its homologs in CHC profiles. Combined, these data suggest that CHCs of a homologous series elicit the same aggressive response because they convey the same information, rather than Argentine ants being unable to discriminate between different homologs. This study contributes to our understanding of the chemical basis of nestmate recognition by showing that, similar to spoken language, the chemical language of social insects contains “synonyms,” chemicals that differ in structure, but not meaning.

Verticillium wilt of potato – the pathogen, disease and management†

Verticillium wilt is a major disease of potato caused by either Verticillium dahliae or Verticillium albo-atrum. Both species are soilborne fungi that invade xylem elements, disrupt water transport in plants and cause vascular wilt in a variety of hosts. Despite the broad host range of V. dahliae, a degree of host adaptation occurs with some isolates exhibiting different levels of aggressiveness depending on the host species and even cultivar within a species. In addition, isolates can be separated into vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) based on the ability to undergo hyphal anastamosis with other isolates. Distinct sub-specific groups have been recognized which contain host-adapted pathotypes that are aggressive and prevalent on particular hosts. Isolates of V. dahliae collected from potato stems, tubers and potato fields in the USA mostly belong to VCG 4A and VCG 4B, with the VCG 4A isolates being highly aggressive on potato compared with isolates of VCG 4B and other VCGs. In contrast, isolates collected from potatoes grown in Israel were predominantly VCG 2A and VCG 4B. Initial inoculum of V. dahliae is primarily soilborne microsclerotia. Verticillium dahliae can be transmitted in certified seed tubers, but tuber-borne inoculum appears to have little effect on verticillium wilt symptoms and potato yields. Vascular infection by V. dahliae of seed tubers of the moderately susceptible potato cultivar ‘Russet Burbank’ resulted in negligible effects on the development of verticillium wilt symptom, did not significantly contribute to aboveground stem infection or the formation of microsclerotia in debris, and did not significantly contribute to progeny tuber infection. An importance of tuber-borne inoculum is the potential to introduce inoculum to soils not previously used to grow potato or where a management practice such as fumigation has been applied to reduce soilborne inoculum. Management strategies should focus on reducing initial inoculum in soil and restricting vascular infection and pathogen development within the host. Tactics that may reduce initial inoculum include crop rotation, soil fumigation, green manures, soil solarization, and bio-fumigants. Cultivar resistance restricts pathogen infection and colonization of plants. Integration of several management tactics and a better understanding of soil health will be needed for lasting and economic management of the disease.

Differences in aggressive behavior and DNA copy number variants between BALB/cJ and BALB/cByJ substrains.

Some BALB/c substrains exhibit different levels of aggression. We compared aggression levels between male BALB/cJ and BALB/cByJ substrains using the resident intruder paradigm. These substrains were also assessed in other tests of emotionality and information processing including the open field, forced swim, fear conditioning, and prepulse inhibition tests. We also evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported between these BALB/c substrains. Finally, we compared BALB/cJ and BALB/cByJ mice for genomic deletions or duplications, collectively termed copy number variants (CNVs), to identify candidate genes that might underlie the observed behavioral differences. BALB/cJ mice showed substantially higher aggression levels than BALB/cByJ mice; however, only minor differences in other behaviors were observed. None of the previously reported SNPs were verified. Eleven CNV regions were identified between the two BALB/c substrains. Our findings identify a robust difference in aggressive behavior between BALB/cJ and BALB/cByJ substrains, which could be the result of the identified CNVs.

Variabilité de l’agressivité dePlasmopara halstedii, étude de sa stabilité en test de laboratoire

Evolution of pathogenicity in <i>Plasmopara halstedii<i/> was analysed by successive artificial infections of two strains with different levels of aggressiveness on two sunflower genotypes not carrying major gene resistance but which show different levels of partial resistance. Symptoms, in particular of plant size and sporulation density, confirmed the differences between the two lines observed in the field. The parasite populations studied showed considerable adaptation to infection conditions: the percentage of plants showing severe symptoms increased by 5% at each infection cycle, for both pathogen strains and both sunflower genotypes. These first laboratory results need to be confirmed in the field to judge the possible durability of quantitative resistances which could be introduced in sunflower breeding programmes.

Social discrimination tuning in ants: template formation and chemical similarity

To investigate the role of template plasticity in shaping nest-mate recognition processes in ants, we constructed experimental mixed-species groups of Manica rubida with either Myrmica rubra, Tetramorium bicarinatum or Formica selysi. Selecting Ma. rubida as the focal species, we observed the behaviour within mixed-species groups and the transfer rates of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) onto the focal ants, and we also tested the aggression of the focal species reared either alone or in association with each of the three different species. We show that Ma. rubida workers were always amicable towards their mixed group members, as towards members of the respective parental colonies, irrespective of the associated species. They did, however, express different levels of aggression towards single-species groups of the other species tested, depending on the species with which they were reared. The study suggests that similarity in CHC profiles in two species leads to a narrow template in mixed groups, while dissimilarity is followed by lower levels of aggression (a broader template), at least against species with similar CHC compound compositions (i.e. both a broader template in the focal ants and familiarity with the compound groups of the tested individuals operate together). This refutes the hypothesis that ants reared in mixed-species groups are systematically more tolerant. It also demonstrates that heterospecific information is not treated equally during development. We suggest that post-imaginal learning, template reforming and decision making are more precisely tuned when the two species' chemical complexes are similar.

Brain Oxytocin Correlates with Maternal Aggression: Link to Anxiety

The oxytocinergic system is critically involved in the regulation of maternal behavior, which includes maternal aggression. Because aggression has been linked to anxiety, we investigated the maternal aggression and the role of brain oxytocin in lactating Wistar rats selectively bred for high anxiety-related behavior (HAB) or low anxiety-related behavior (LAB) during the 10 min maternal defense test. HAB dams displayed more maternal aggression against a virgin intruder compared with LAB dams, resulting in more defensive behavior and higher anxiety of HAB-defeated virgins. The different levels of aggression were accompanied by opposite oxytocin release patterns within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN; HAB, increase; LAB, decrease). Furthermore, oxytocin release was higher within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) of HAB dams compared with LABs. A direct correlation between the offensive behavior displayed during the maternal defense test and local oxytocin release was found in both the PVN and CeA. Using retrodialysis, blockade of endogenous oxytocin action by infusion of an oxytocin receptor antagonist (des-Gly-NH2,d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4]OVT) into the PVN or CeA reduced maternal aggression of HAB dams, whereas infusion of synthetic oxytocin into the PVN tended to increase aggression toward the intruder in LAB dams. There were no significant differences in oxytocin receptor mRNA expression or oxytocin receptor binding between lactating HAB and LAB dams. Therefore, differences in intracerebral release patterns of oxytocin, rather than differences at the level of oxytocin receptors, are critical for the regulation of maternal aggressive behavior.

External symptoms and histopathological changes following inoculation of elms putatively resistant to Dutch elm disease with genetically close strains of Ophiostoma

To better characterize the host–pathogen interaction leading to Dutch elm disease, pathogenicity tests were carried out under controlled conditions. Putative resistant hybrid clones 2213 and 2245 from the same Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. × Ulmus americana L. cross and putative resistant U. americana clone 503, as well as saplings of U. americana grown from seeds, were inoculated with strains of Ophiostoma ulmi (Buism.) Nannf. or Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier, including strains H327 and AST27, which carry different alleles at the Pat1 pathogenicity locus and display different levels of aggressiveness. The occurrence of wilted leaves and xylem streaks in inoculated elms indicated that the three clones tested were in fact susceptible to Dutch elm disease, although clones 2213 and 2245 were less susceptible than other elm material tested. In addition to the usual histopathological changes induced during the development of Dutch elm disease on clones 2213 and 2245, such as the formation of alveolar structures, tyloses, gels, and barrier zones, microscopic observations also revealed the presence of cells exhibiting a yellow autofluorescence under blue illumination around xylem vessels invaded by the pathogen. This may represent a new defence reaction against Dutch elm disease. The more aggressive H327 strain induced different levels of xylem responses than the less aggressive AST27 strain.Key words: Dutch elm disease, vascular wilt, histopathology.

Game location and aggression in rugby league

The present study examined the relationship between aggression and game location in rugby league. We videotaped a random sample of 21 professional rugby league games played in the 2000 Super League season. Trained observers recorded the frequency of aggressive behaviours. Consistent with previous research, which used territoriality theories as a basis for prediction, we hypothesized that the home team would behave more aggressively than the away team. The results showed no significant difference in the frequency of aggressive behaviours exhibited by the home and away teams. However, the away teams engaged in substantially more aggressive behaviours in games they lost compared with games they won. No significant differences in the pattern of aggressive behaviours for home and away teams emerged as a function of game time (i.e. first or second half) or game situation (i.e. when teams were winning, losing or drawing). The findings suggest that while home and away teams do not display different levels of aggression, the cost of behaving aggressively (in terms of game outcome) may be greater for the away team.

Systemic induction of traumatic resin ducts and resin flow in Austrian pine by wounding and inoculation with Sphaeropsis sapinea and Diplodia scrobiculata

The potential role of the resin system in the response of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) seedlings to mechanical injury and fungal infection was studied in greenhouse experiments. Anatomical observations were performed on 2-year-old plants wounded at collar level and inoculated with Sphaeropsis sapinea (Fr.: Fr.) Dyko & Sutton in Sutton or Diplodia scrobiculata (J. de Wet, B. Slippers & M. J. Wingfield, sp. nov.; sensu de Wet et al. 2003), two fungal pathogens that cause shoot blight and canker on conifers, and that are characterized by different levels of aggressiveness. Histological examination of host tissue taken from the stem at 0, 8, and 12 cm above the treatment site revealed significant treatment- and time-dependent effects on the course of locally and systemically induced traumatic resin duct (TRD) development. Occurrence of TRDs was observed after 4 days only in seedlings inoculated with D. scrobiculata. At 12 days, TRDs were present also in mock-inoculated controls. No TRDs appeared in seedlings inoculated with S. sapinea. However, S. sapinea caused loss of vacuolar phenolics, severe disruption of cambial tissue and invaded the host xylem quickly and apparently unimpeded, whereas D. scrobiculata was never detected in the host xylem. Five-year-old Austrian pines subjected to the same stem base treatments were used to determine the resin mass flowing from the stem 30 cm above the treatment sites. Wounding and/or inoculation induced a significant, 8.3-fold average increase in systemic resin flow over the untreated trees 3 weeks after basal treatment, suggesting that wounding is the sole prerequisite for systemic induction of resin flow. The results are discussed in the context of current disease resistance models.

Molecular characterization of the avrXa7 locus from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae field isolates

The effector gene avrXa7 from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae has avirulence function in rice with the Xa7 resistance gene and confers pathogenic fitness (aggressiveness). Field strains of X. oryzae pv. oryzae displayed a diversity of phenotypes on rice ranging from complete to partial loss of these functions. To understand the molecular basis for variation in avrXa7 function, we sequenced the alleles from seven field strains. The avrXa7 gene is an avrBs3/pthA family member and contains nuclear localization signal sequences and an acidic activation domain (AAD) in the 3′ end and a central region containing repeated sequences, all of which are important for avirulence and aggressiveness. Sequence analysis revealed changes in the avrXa7 alleles ranging from a point mutation to multiple mutations spread throughout the alleles. Some strains with identical mutant alleles exhibited different levels of aggressiveness to rice, suggesting the presence of second mutations. A point mutation found at the beginning of the AAD of one avrXa7 allele was reconstructed in the wild type gene; this mutant exhibited partial loss of avirulence and aggressiveness. Our data suggest that adaptation of X. oryzae pv. oryzae to Xa7 rice fields involves not only alterations in avrXa7, but may include changes in other gene family members resulting from recombination between family members.

Viewer Aggression and Attraction to Television Talk Shows

Guided by the uses and gratifications perspective, we examined how dispositional factors--aggression, anger, attitudes toward women, and communication anxiety and reward--and television-viewing factors--motivation, attitudes, topics, emotions, and parasocial interaction--explained attraction to different TV talk shows. We considered how these dispositional and viewing factors discriminated among different talk show preferences and different levels of aggression. Compared with The Oprah Winfrey Show viewers, Jerry Springer viewers thought shows were less realistic; enjoyed watching voyeuristic topics and guests' being angry, embarrassed, shocked, and hurt; watched to be entertained and excited rather than to be informed; and developed fewer parasocial relationships. Compared with persons with low levels of aggression, those with high levels of aggression were angry; had negative attitudes toward women; enjoyed watching guests' being embarrassed, angry, shocked, and hurt; thought others did not value their interpersonal interactions; and watched talk shows more often, especially to interact with others. We discuss the implications of these findings.