The majority of the existing research on media aggression has focused on media violence and its effects on physical aggression. However, more recently, scholars have focused their attention on other forms of aggression in the media, such as relational aggression, and its effects on viewer attitudes and behaviors. This chapter reviews the existing theory and research on the portrayal of relational aggression in the media; how exposure to such portrayals is related to subsequent aggressive behaviors across childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood; and potential moderators and mediators of effects. We conclude with specific recommendations for future research, particularly as it relates to theory building and public policy.
Public Policy and the Effects of Media Violence on Children
