ABSTRACT
The scientific study of media entertainment has grown considerably in the quarter century since the first edition of this volume was published. This chapter summarizes and synthesizes research conducted during that time. First, motivations for selecting media entertainment are discussed, with specific emphasis on persistent and situational need satisfaction, as well as individual-difference factors. Second, processes involved in the enjoyment of entertainment (i.e., entertainment theory) are examined, including the role of characters (e.g., affective dispositions, identification), content features, reception processes (e.g., narrative engagement, social comparisons), and receptions contexts. The chapter concludes with thoughts on what work remains to be done.
