ABSTRACT
Traditionally, media entertainment research on antisocial behavior and media violence has focused on portrayals and effects of exposure to physical aggression, to the neglect of verbal aggression. Similarly, the public has been more troubled by graphic, physically violent media depictions as opposed to media verbal aggression, in part, because imitation of physically violent acts learned via the media may result in serious physical harm or criminal activity. In contrast, the effects of verbal aggression are not as readily observable (Rancer & Avtgis, 2006). Media industry executives have been more concerned with physical media violence than verbal aggression because physical violence affects the ratings assigned to media offerings, advertisers’ willingness to “sponsor” them, and the public’s response to media content and advertisers.
