Health‐Relevant Behaviors in Media1

The content of the past decade's (1977–1988) most popular films is analyzed for trends in portrayals of multiple health practices (cigarette smoking, over‐the‐counter or prescription drug use, illegal drug use. alcohol consumption, leisure‐time physical activity, and poor eating habits) as well...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied social psychology 1991-08, Vol.21 (16), p.1303-1319
Main Authors: Terre, Lisa, Drabman, Ronald S., Speer, Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Drug use
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Summary:The content of the past decade's (1977–1988) most popular films is analyzed for trends in portrayals of multiple health practices (cigarette smoking, over‐the‐counter or prescription drug use, illegal drug use. alcohol consumption, leisure‐time physical activity, and poor eating habits) as well as model characteristics and consequences associated with health‐related lifestyle. The results reveal a recent upsurge in depictions of several risky habits, yet few portrayals of direct adverse consequences. There was a particular tendency for males and minorities to be shown engaged in behaviors detrimental to their health. The social learning, public health, and social policy implications of these findings are discussed.
ISSN:0021-9029
1559-1816
DOI:10.1111/j.1559-1816.1991.tb00472.x