scholarly journals Emotional Reactions to Sports Heroes’ Rise and Fall: Application of Affective Disposition Theory Via the Hero Narrative

2014 ◽  
Vol 04 (06) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Ellen Christian
2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 346-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Klimmt ◽  
Peter Vorderer

Contemporary theoretical explications of presence experiences can be advanced and completed by integrating theoretical frameworks from media psychology. This article briefly presents concepts related to media entertainment that have been elaborated and/or applied by media psychologists and that exhibit considerable overlaps with the explication of presence. Specifically, the concept of involvement (Vorderer, 1992), affective disposition theory (Zillmann, 1996), simulation theory (Oatley, 1994), and the psychological theory of play (Oerter, 1999) are introduced. For each framework, connection points to the theoretical conceptualization of presence are pointed out. The article illuminates new opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation in advancing our understanding of presence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie H. Janicke ◽  
Arthur A. Raney

AbstractAffective disposition theory explains well the process of enjoying hero narratives but not the appeal of narratives featuring antiheroes. Recent antihero studies suggest that character identification and moral disengagement might be important factors in the enjoyment of such fare. The current study builds on this work. A sample of 101 self-identified fans and nonfans of the television series


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Grizzard ◽  
Jialing Huang ◽  
Changhyun Ahn ◽  
Kaitlin Fitzgerald ◽  
C. Joseph Francemone ◽  
...  

Abstract. Morally ambiguous characters are often perceived to challenge Zillmann’s affective disposition theory of drama. At the heart of this challenge is the question: “To what extent can liking be independent of character morality?” The current study examines this question with a 2 (Disposition: Positive vs. Negative) × 3 (Character Type: Hero, Antihero, Villain) between-subjects factorial experiment that induces variance in liking and morality. We assess the influence of these orthogonal manipulations on measured liking and morality. Main effects of both manipulations on the measured variables emerged, with a significant correlation between measures. Regression analyses further confirm that liking is associated with perceived morality and vice versa. Because variance in morality was induced by the liking manipulation and variance in liking was induced by the morality manipulation, the assumptions of disposition theory regarding morality and liking seem accurate. Future research directions are provided that may help reconcile and integrate the seeming challenge of morally ambiguous characters with affective disposition theory.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-301
Author(s):  
Matthew Grizzard ◽  
C Joseph Francemone ◽  
Kaitlin Fitzgerald ◽  
Jialing Huang ◽  
Changhyun Ahn

Abstract Affective disposition theory suggests that viewers of narratives develop dispositions toward characters through various cues, including appearance and behavior. Despite its predictive utility, the theory has yet to account for an essential component of narratives: character interdependence. Extant models treat disposition formation toward individual characters as an independent process. In the current paper, we posit that affective dispositions formed toward one character (e.g., a protagonist) are interdependent with affective dispositions formed toward others (e.g., an antagonist). We present two experimental studies that provide evidence of character interdependence. We show that dispositions toward a single character account for unique variance in dispositions toward another, and that the same character can be perceived as highly moral or immoral, depending on a comparison character. In the discussion section, we integrate our character interdependence model with extant theories to generate novel predictions for affective disposition theory and other areas of research relevant to communication.


Author(s):  
Melissa J. Robinson ◽  
Silvia Knobloch-Westerwick

The informative value of news has often been the focus of mass communication research, but individuals do tune into the news for entertainment purposes. In addition, news organizations frequently add entertainment elements into news stories to increase audience interest. Considering both of these factors, theorizing about the entertainment processes (e.g., appreciation, enjoyment, and suspense) that occur during news consumption is necessary to understand audience behavior. This chapter investigates factors that influence entertainment processes during news consumption. Two entertainment theories in particular (affective disposition theory and the affective news extended model) are reviewed to understand how affective responses influence enjoyment of news. It organizes existing research on affective responses and entertainment processes into two categories focusing on news event characteristics (i.e., elements that journalists cannot change) and message design principles that journalists create or edit. Areas for future research are provided.


2021 ◽  
pp. 009365022110399
Author(s):  
Nicholas L. Matthews ◽  
James Alex Bonus

Affective disposition theory (ADT) explains that the moral judgments of character behavior inform dispositions toward characters. These dispositions bias moral judgments of characters’ subsequent behaviors and establish behavioral expectations. We used expectancy violations theory to help specify people’s dispositions toward characters. In study 1, we modified the footbridge dilemma to develop experimental stimuli and predictions. Studies 2 and 3 observed the disposition formation process longitudinally and validated our stimulus: a custom-built visual novel. Study 4 tested our predictions. Studies 2 through 4 used pre-registered hypotheses, sampling, and data analyses. Results demonstrated that the current disposition (positive vs. negative) changes how a novel (im)moral behavior affects that disposition. Schema-violating behaviors provoked larger mean differences in participants’ dispositions toward protagonists compared to antagonists. Specifically, people were hyper-scrutinous of moral paragons and entrenched despised characters in moral skepticism. Additionally, we observed differences in dispositions toward characters who did not act when they could (inaction).


Author(s):  
Tilo Hartmann ◽  
Daniela Stuke ◽  
Gregor Daschmann

Abstract. The present study examines determinants of suspense on viewers observing sports on television. As an explanatory framework, an integrated model is proposed, linking the concept of (positive and negative) parasocial relationships (PSR) to the concept of affective dispositions as used in the affective disposition theory of drama. In the context of the popular sport of “Formula 1” racing, the hypothesized causal structure of the formation of suspense was tested in an empirical survey study. A structural equation model was calculated. Results show a significant influence of positive forms of PSR toward a favorite driver, either mediated by viewers' hopes for a positive outcome or influenced directly by the experienced level of suspense. While negative forms of PSR toward a disliked driver affect viewers' hopes for a negative outcome, they do not add to the level of suspense.


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