Adolescent Entertainment or Violence Training? The Hunger Games

Abstract

Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and development, both physically and emotionally. During this time, the adolescent is impressionable, especially from those they view as role models or whom they admire. Although intended as entertainment, the content and violence used in The Hunger Games has the potential to impact the concepts of the imaginary audience and personal fable that are prominent during adolescence. With this in mind, the authors provide a movie review of The Hunger Games and caution against allowing young audiences to view movies with such strong content without a discussion with them about the content of the movie. Finally, the authors will provide counseling implications and suggestions in working with adolescents who view movies and other forms of entertainment with similar content as that portrayed in The Hunger Games.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• adolescence
• adolescent entertainment
• imaginary audience
• personal fable
• creativity in counseling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eva “Dee” Sloan

Eva “Dee” Sloan is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, Houston, Texas.

Cheryl Sawyer

Cheryl Sawyer is a Professor and Program Chair of the Counseling Program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, Houston, Texas.

Tara D. Warner

Tara D. Warner is the Graduate Assistant for the Counseling Program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, Houston, Texas.

Lisa A. Jones

Lisa A. Jones is an Associate Professor in the Multicultural Studies at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, Houston, Texas.