Media Psychology Research: The intersection of our surrounding media and our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

FGU Winter Session,  2021

Abstract: As the number of older adults increases substantially over the next few years, aging well is a priority. Navigating the later stages of life and developmental goals of meaning-making, life purpose, and meaningful relationships can be challenging. Narratives and stories can provide the framework and tools to help people successfully make sense of themselves and their lives and bridge connections with others. According to narrative and developmental theory, the need for storytelling increases as one ages because the benefits of reflection, revising, and sharing one’s story can foster meaningful connections and leave a legacy spanning generations. Research about narrative and storytelling in the later stages of life has been limited. However, fundamental theories and research suggest that storytelling and digital storytelling among older adults may benefit positive aging.

An in-depth look at the storytelling experience of adults primarily in their 70s and 80s provides insight into storytelling, technology, and their perceptions of meaning-making, connectedness, and legacy. This research study supports storytelling as a positive activity to aid later life stage goals and needs. Applications of this research and recommendations for future research are discussed. 

Media Psychology Symposium, 2020

Abstract: With pandemic-driven increases in television viewership, as compared to one year ago, ranging from 10% to 200% depending on platform, time of day, and content focus, the role of media representations of mental health has never been more important. Media representations have historically lacked diversity and inclusion and framed mental health in negative contexts. “A Million Little Things,” a primetime drama that debuted on ABC in 2018, included a diverse cast of characters navigating sensitive topics including suicide, depression, grief, and mental health care as central themes in the first season’s narrative. Media representations have historically lacked diversity and inclusion and framed mental health in negative contexts. To explore viewers’ perceptions, motivations for watching, and planned behavior around future viewership, a 16-question mixed-method survey was launched to fans via social media connected to the hashtag: #amillionlittlethings. Over 150 participants responded with their first-hand experiences, stories, and meaning-making around the show’s themes, characters, and storylines. One storyline involving a Black male dealing with depression was shown to particularly resonate beyond common cultural identities such as race and gender. Those identifying with this character’s representation also signaled prosocial values and behaviors.

Abstract: With pandemic-driven increases in television viewership, as compared to one year ago, ranging from 10% to 200% depending on platform, time of day, and content focus, the role of media representations of mental health has never been more important. Media representations have historically lacked diversity and inclusion and framed mental health in negative contexts. “A Million Little Things,” a primetime drama that debuted on ABC in 2018, included a diverse cast of characters navigating sensitive topics including suicide, depression, grief, and mental health care as central themes in the first season’s narrative. Media representations have historically lacked diversity and inclusion and framed mental health in negative contexts. To explore viewers’ perceptions, motivations for watching, and planned behavior around future viewership, a 16-question mixed-method survey was launched to fans via social media connected to the hashtag: #amillionlittlethings. Over 150 participants responded with their first-hand experiences, stories, and meaning-making around the show’s themes, characters, and storylines. One storyline involving a Black male dealing with depression was shown to particularly resonate beyond common cultural identities such as race and gender. Those identifying with this character’s representation also signaled prosocial values and behaviors.

FGU Winter Session: Award Winner, 2020

Introduction: People are motivated to view entertainment for hedonic and eudaimonic reasons (Oliver & Raney, 2011). Popular television shows can fulfill both needs, and substantive, thought-provoking programs like “A Million Little Things” can b…

Introduction: People are motivated to view entertainment for hedonic and eudaimonic reasons (Oliver & Raney, 2011). Popular television shows can fulfill both needs, and substantive, thought-provoking programs like “A Million Little Things” can be used for enjoyment as well as dealing with ones’ purpose and broader meaning of life questions. Media content and portrayal of sensitive topics including suicide, depression, grief, and loss are gaining attention as the issues amplify and gain prevalence within our society. “A Million Little Things,” a primetime drama on ABC, included many of these themes in their first season’s narrative. To explore viewers’ perceptions, motivations for watching, and planned behavior around future viewership, a 16-question mixed method survey was launched to fans via social media connected to hashtag: #amillionlittlethings. Over 150 participants responded with their first-hand experiences, stories, and diverse approach to meaning-making around the show’s themes, characters, and storylines. Viewers’ comments reveal many positive impacts of this media artifact and its representation of these topics. A large number of respondents identified through personal experiences with the show’s themes of suicide, depression, grief, and loss as well as the importance of friendships and connections.

APA Cutting Edge Research from Emerging Psychological Scientists: ​FGU Research Presentation Award, 2019

Description: As technology evolves to make film more accessible and on-demand, movie theater attendance worldwide has fallen. The niche market of independent arthouse theaters, however, is thriving. In a pilot study conducted for FilmBar, an arthous…

Description: As technology evolves to make film more accessible and on-demand, movie theater attendance worldwide has fallen. The niche market of independent arthouse theaters, however, is thriving. In a pilot study conducted for FilmBar, an arthouse theater in Phoenix, Arizona, a 28-question quantitative survey was used to gain insight into patrons’ moviegoing habits, preferences, and decision-making process as well as self-identified “Big Five” personality dimensions using the Ten-Item Personality Measure (TIPI). In total, 87 theater patrons aged 18-69 with various socioeconomic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds responded. Comments from survey participants were coded and analyzed for insight into the motivated patronage of this particular theater. Significant findings include an overall desire for shared experience of film viewership, a correlation between Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and theater attendance as well as correlation between certain movie genres and personality dimensions.

FGU Winter Session Session, 2019

Description: Due to advancements in technology such as Video-On-Demand and streaming services, movie theater attendance is declining, yet smaller niche arthouse theaters are not just surviving but thriving. What gets someone off the couch and into a seat to see a movie? Patrons of FilmBar, an arthouse theater in Phoenix, Arizona, were surveyed about their theater-going preferences, habits, film interests, and personality factors. The goal of this research was to better understand the theater patrons’ behaviors, motives, and preferences through the lens of social psychological theories and shared-experience. Several findings surfaced which include a correlation between openness and agreeableness with the genres of horror and thriller/suspense, and infrequent moviegoers expressing a preference for Action/Adventure films in the theater.