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Health‐Relevant Behaviors in Media 1
Author(s) -
Terre Lisa,
Drabman Ronald S.,
Speer Paul
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.1991.tb00472.x
Subject(s) - psychology , consumption (sociology) , public health , social psychology , alcohol consumption , health behavior , cigarette smoking , medical prescription , social learning theory , environmental health , sociology , medicine , social science , alcohol , chemistry , nursing , pharmacology , biochemistry
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.