Does Movie Viewing Cultivate Young People's Unrealistic Expectations About Love and Marriage?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-25-2015

Publication Title

Marriage and Family Review

Volume

51

First page number:

687

Last page number:

712

Abstract

The current study examines the association between consumption of media messages by way of movie viewing and genre preference and endorsement of ideals and expectations concerning romantic relationships. A survey of young adults found that viewing preference for both romantic comedies and dramas was significantly and positively correlated with idealized notions of faith that love conquers all, greater expectations for intimacy, and endorsement of the eros love style. However, participants who frequently watched romantic movies did not endorse beliefs in sexual perfection, mindreading, or disagreement disallowance. Results suggest that more mythic romantic ideals may tend to supersede other relational demands.

Keywords

marriage; mate selection; myths; relationships

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