Reality-based television programming has become a dominant force in television over the past seven years and a staple of most networks' primetime lineups. This relatively quick change in the television landscape and the sudden increase in viewers' consumption of reality television necessitate an investigation into the impact these shows are having on their viewers.

The dissertation ends with a brief discussion of the limitations, an examination of how these findings impact cultivation effects research and reality television production, and recommendations for future research in this area.

The study shows that television narratives have the ability to create meanings which reinforce or refute dominant ideas and myths of the society. Examines such shows as Beavis and Butt-Head; Family Matters; Home Improvement; Jenny Jones; Married With Children; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers; Oprah; Roseanne; Sally Jesse Raphael; South Park, and The Simpsons.

This book, published originally in 1980, addressed the needs for a profile of televised violence which considered the advantages and disadvantages of various measures and for a furthering of research directions beyond the then-popular emphasis on children. The Committee on Television and Social Behavior was formed in1972 and stimulated new research in order to provide a multidimensional profile of the social effects of television programming. Chapters here look at the effect of television on adults as well as children, particularly special audiences such as the elderly and minority groups. An excellent summary of the various conceptual, substantive and methodological issues around television’s influence.

Despite the detrimental effects of aggression, Reality Television is replete with portrayals of female direct and indirect aggression for the sake of entertainment. Direct, physical and verbal aggression may be easy to identify but indirect aggression can be circuitous and subtle such as gossiping and exclusion from the group. Victims of indirect aggression can experience long-term psychological repercussions such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-abusive behaviour. Exposure to indirect relational aggression on Reality Television has also been shown to increase physical aggression in its viewers. Combining three theoretical frameworks this study draws on social cognitive theory, cultivation theory as well as feminist frameworks. Female adults were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews discussing their perceptions and influence of Reality Television clips portraying female aggression.