Location

Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Lobby

Description

The present study investigated the connection between romantic movie viewing frequency and endorsement of dysfunctional beliefs for romantic relationships in a university-based sample of 228 participants. Respondents completed a questionnaire in which they reported demographic information as well as responses to the several scales that measure endorsement of romantic ideals. I base this investigation of Segrin and Nabi’s (2002) examination of television viewing habits and proclivity for unrealistic expectations of sex, love, and marriage. Both the current study and the investigation conducted by Segrin and Nabi (2002) support the supposition that media play a part in reinforcing beliefs about coupleships. Frequent viewing of romantic comedy and drama films seems intimately tied to affirmation of love myths and idealistic expectations. Results, implications, and suggestions for future research are addressed.

Keywords

Couples – Psychology; Dating (Social customs); Romance films

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Family, Life Course, and Society | Film and Media Studies | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Psychology

Language

English

Comments

File: Poster

Attached file: Abstract


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Apr 15th, 1:00 PM Apr 15th, 3:00 PM

Does Movie Viewing Cultivate Unrealistic Expectations about Love and Marriage?

Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Lobby

The present study investigated the connection between romantic movie viewing frequency and endorsement of dysfunctional beliefs for romantic relationships in a university-based sample of 228 participants. Respondents completed a questionnaire in which they reported demographic information as well as responses to the several scales that measure endorsement of romantic ideals. I base this investigation of Segrin and Nabi’s (2002) examination of television viewing habits and proclivity for unrealistic expectations of sex, love, and marriage. Both the current study and the investigation conducted by Segrin and Nabi (2002) support the supposition that media play a part in reinforcing beliefs about coupleships. Frequent viewing of romantic comedy and drama films seems intimately tied to affirmation of love myths and idealistic expectations. Results, implications, and suggestions for future research are addressed.