Social comparison-related emotional and enjoyment responses to entertainment television characters

ABSTRACT

This study examines social comparison-related emotional and enjoyment responses to entertainment television characters. Participants (N = 294) were presented with eight possible programs and chose one for viewing. Afterwards, they reported their emotional responses to the content. Factors including program type (reality, scripted), characters’ social class (low, high), and characters’ lifestyle (youth-oriented, family-oriented) affected the social comparison-related emotional outcomes measured. Appreciation of the program positively correlated to both upward and downward social comparison-related emotional responses. Fun and entertainment positively correlated only to upward social comparison-related emotional responses.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest is reported by the authors. A version of this manuscript was presented at the National Communication Association’s Annual Convention in Philadelphia, PA in November 2016.

Notes

¹ Correlation tables are available by the authors directly.