Compulsive television viewing: A qualitative approach.
Item
-
Title
-
Compulsive television viewing: A qualitative approach.
-
Identifier
-
AAI9119668
-
identifier
-
9119668
-
Creator
-
Priovolos, George V.
-
Contributor
-
Adviser: Leon G. Schiffman
-
Date
-
1991
-
Language
-
English
-
Publisher
-
City University of New York.
-
Subject
-
Business Administration, Marketing | Mass Communications
-
Abstract
-
The primary objective of this study is to develop a detailed portrayal of compulsive television viewing in a marketing context, to capture the meaning of the TV watching experience, as understood by the compulsive TV viewer.;A number of research issues are investigated: (a) How does a compulsive TV viewer watch TV? (b) What is the role of TV in a compulsive TV viewer's life? (c) What makes somebody a compulsive TV viewer? (d) What are the consequences of compulsive TV viewing?;Analysis of the collected material identified nine compulsive TV viewers, i.e., viewers whose viewing is dependency-induced, comprising stereotypical and uncontrollable behavior. The remaining study participants were classified as indulgent, habitual, and impulsive. They showed more control over their TV viewing and no long-term dependency on the medium.;Twelve themes emerge: (1) perceived stressful situational factors; (2) viewer background factors; (3) personal psychological factors; (4) personal values; (5) personal goals and aspirations; (6) viewer involvement; (7) TV-related rituals; (8) viewing with others; (9) TV characteristics and experiences; (10) perceived consequences; (11) coping; and (12) perceived meaning of compulsive TV viewing.;Findings indicate that compulsive TV viewing, is a viewer's response to stress experienced as a result of the interaction between specific personal factors (low self-esteem, fear of loneliness, contradictory value system, lack of well-defined goals and aspirations) and situational factors like their extraordinary obligations deriving from their double roles at work and at home, limited financial means, and lack of opportunities for developing satisfying interpersonal relationships.;Compulsive TV viewing may involve considerable search for information, a fair amount of planning and relatively high levels of attention. Yet, it is primarily an affect-based behavior characterized by lack of critical thinking. Ritualistic behavior and ritual artifacts as well as watching with others also contribute to the overall compulsive TV viewing experience.;The outcomes of compulsive TV viewing differ substantially between often positive short-run effects (stress reduction, favorable changes in mood and self-esteem, acquisition of life goals, occasional improvement of social life) and overwhelmingly negative long-run effects (social stigma, dependency, low self-worth, frustration, alienation, and questionable TV-induced values). (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).
-
Type
-
dissertation
-
Source
-
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
-
degree
-
Ph.D.
