Explanations of Media influences on Aggression: Disinhibition

Question 1

outline disinhibition

Answer 1

Disinhibition = idea that violent media undermines and ‘loosens’ the social constraints that normally inhibits aggressive behaviour, making aggression more likely.

Normally, we learn that violence is socially unacceptable (through upbringing, education, and moral messages in the media).

As a result there are powerful social and psychological inhibitions against using aggression.

BUT, exposure to violent media can change standards of what is considered acceptable behaviour, creating new social norms for the viewer.

In such media, aggression is made to appear normative and socially sanctioned, especially if portrayals minimise the effects of violence on its victims and suggest that it is justified or something that is rewarded.

Question 2

evaluate disinhibition
STRENGTHS

Answer 2

P) Support from Berkowitz et al (1973)
E) ppts that watched a film depicting aggression as vengeance gave more (fake) electric shocks of longer duration to a confederate.
L) media violence may disinhibit aggressive behaviour when presented as vengeance - seen as justification/more socially acceptable

Question 3

evaluate disinhibition
LIMITATIONS

Answer 3

P) chances of disinhibition occurring may depend on other factors
E) Heath et al (1989): children growing up in households with strong norms against violence are unlikely to experience sufficient disinhibition for them to exhibit aggressive behaviour
E) whereas disinhibition is stronger in families where children experience physical punishment from parents and where they identify with violent heroes.
L) limited explanation - doesn’t always occur
E) BUT practical applications: encouraging parents to prevent disinhibition in children by establishing clear household norms/ expectations around violence

P) reductionist:
E) blaming aggression on media ignores role of biological factors
E) eg genetic exp; Brunner (1993) found defective ‘MAOA gene in a Dutch family with a history of male violence. eg hormonal exp: testosterone determine some aggressive behaviour.
L) media influence explanations of aggression = limited in successfully explain aggression, need other approaches

Question 4

difference between desensitisation and disinhibition

Answer 4

desensitisation is biological: repeated exposure to media violence reduces the anxiety that inhibits violent behaviour

WHEREAS

disinhibition is social/behavioural (learning): violent media exposure undermines and loosens the social/moral constraints that normally inhibit violent behavior