Exploring the impact of media consumption on interpersonal interaction intentions: an examination of the social effect of exposure to mental illness

I propose a technique for analyzing the influence of media consumption on social inclinations pertaining to those depicted, an effect which scarcely receives the attention for which it is exceptionally deserving. Via the explication of principal concepts regarding social dispositions and inclinations, and describing how existing psychological and media effects theory can be utilized to predict how media exposure could influence interpersonal inclinations, I produce a model of mediated interaction intentions. Furthermore, I offer an experiment in which various forms of media exposure – all of which would theoretically increase the accessibility of negative conceptions of individuals with mental illness – are examined with regard to their ability to inform social stigma and prejudice perceptions. Those perceptions are then assessed, via meditation modeling, for their impact on interpersonal interaction intentions. The findings are discussed in terms of their support for my overall predicted model. Additionally, where support is observed, particular implications of those findings will be discussed. Where support is not observed, speculation about why expectations were not met will be provided. This dissertation will contribute to the field of media effects research by attempting to provide a holistic account of the impact of media messages on social inclinations by exploring the psychological mechanisms by which depictions indirectly influence interaction intentions. Ultimately, I attempt to provide a model which will be useful to future researchers concerned with the influence of media messages on interpersonal interaction. Though future refinements are likely necessary to enhance the prediction value of this model, it should lay the groundwork for a nuanced conceptualization of the impact of media on social outcomes