The Effects of Facial Close-Ups and Viewers' Sex on Empathy and Intentions to Help People in Need
2013; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 16; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1080/15205436.2012.683928
ISSN1532-7825
Autores Tópico(s)Social and Intergroup Psychology
ResumoAbstract This study examines the interaction effects of camera perspectives used to portray a victim of a social problem and the sex of audience members on empathy and intentions to help people sharing the victim's problem. As predicted, the study found interaction effects for camera perspectives and viewers' sex on empathy and care for the victim group. The findings corroborate not only the role played by empathy in inducing care for people in need but also the parallels between one's real and mediated experiences. Most importantly, the findings contribute to our understanding of how media portrayals of human suffering can increase empathy for those in need. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I thank Diana C. Mutz for guidance as well as Shawnika J. Hull, Paul R. Brewer, the editor, and three anonymous reviewers for many helpful comments. Additional informationNotes on contributorsXiaoxia CaoXiaoxia Cao (Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 2010) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Her research interests include media effects, media psychology, persuasion, and political communication.
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