The Effect of Adult Commentary on Reducing the Influence of Televised Violence

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Abstract
The effects on second through fifth grade children of three types of adult commentary (antiaggressive, nonaggressive, neutral), presented during a violent TV show, were examined and compared to a nonviolent control film. Subjects' latency in seeking adult help when witnessing "real" violence among other children was measured. Antiaggressive and nonaggressive commentary subjects were significantly faster in summoning help than were neutral commentary subjects. Control subjects did not differ from other subjects in responsivity. The results can be interpreted within a cognitional framework.