Media Entertainment The Psychology of Its Appeal

This collection of essays covers all essential aspects of media entertainment, written in a non-technical style for appeal to scholars in communication and psychology as well as to students at mid to advanced levels of study.

This collection represents a systematic exploration of media entertainment from an academic perspective. Editors Zillmann and Vorderer have assembled scholars from psychology, sociology, and communication to provide a broad examination of the primary function of media entertainment--the attainment of gratification. Chapters included here address vital aspects of media entertainment and summarize pertinent findings, providing an overview of what is presently known about the appeal and function of the essential forms of media entertainment, and offering some degree of integration. Written in a clear, non-technical style, this volume provides a lively and entertaining study of media entertainment for academic study and coursework.

Contents: Preface. D. Zillmann, The Coming of Media Entertainment. P. Vorderer, Interactive Entertainment and Beyond. D. Zillmann, Humor and Comedy. P. Vorderer, S. Knobloch, Conflict and Suspense in Drama. G.G. Sparks, C.W. Sparks, Violence, Mayhem, and Horror. B.S. Greenberg, L. Hofschire, Sex on Entertainment Television. G. Bente, A. Feist, Affect-Talk and Its Kin. P.M. Valkenburg, J. Cantor, Children's Likes and Dislikes of Entertainment Programs. J. Bryant, A.A. Raney, Sports on the Screen. C.H. Hansen, R.D. Hansen, Music and Music Videos. T. Grodal, Video Games and the Pleasures of Control. M.B. Oliver, The Respondent Gender Gap. J.B. Weaver, III, Personality and Entertainment Preferences. G.C. Cupchick, S. Kemp, The Aesthetics of Media Fare.

Dolf Zillmann, Peter Vorderer