Media Representations of Intimate Partner Violence and Punishment Preferences: Exploring the Role of Attributions and Emotions

Abstract

This study examines Weiner's attribution–emotion–action model using news stories derived from existent media messages about intimate partner violence containing information designed to increase or decrease attributions of responsibility both toward the perpetrator and toward the victim. Participants (N=251) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, exposed to a stimulus message, then completed a survey. The attribution–emotion–action model was largely supported. Although multiple emotions were experienced, only certain emotions were significant in determining punishment preference, and these emotions varied by target (i.e., perpetrator or victim). How news stories may be influencing public opinion and support for public health and criminal justice policies is discussed.

Keywords:

• Attributions
• Emotion
• Media Framing
• Intimate Partner Violence

Acknowledgements

This manuscript was derived from the dissertation of the first author under the direction of the second author. The authors would like to acknowledge the other members of the dissertation committee, Michael D. Slater, Artemio Ramirez Jr., and Mira Katz, for their help throughout the process, and Matthew W. Savage for his assistance with data analysis.

Notes

1. Available from the first author upon request.

2. It is the position of the authors that perpetrators are solely responsible for their violent acts and that no actions on the part of the victim justify violence. Creating a condition intended to increase attributions of responsibility toward victims is not an endorsement by the authors that such actions should lead to holding the victim responsible for their abuse, but is reflective of a body of research showing that the general public does use victim-blaming attitudes, traditional gender norms, indicators of provocation, and other factors in determining culpability in cases of IPV (Esqueda & Harrison, 2005).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kellie E. Palazzolo

Kellie E. Palazzolo is an Assistant Professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University

Anthony J. Roberto

Anthony J. Roberto is an Associate Professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University