Hollywood's Triumph and Parents' Loss: An Examination of the PG-13 Rating

Abstract

This study is an examination of the Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA's) use of the PG-13 rating through a content analysis of ratings descriptions-sentences used by the MPAA to explain why PG-13 was assigned to a movie-for the years 2000 to 2002. It is hypothesized that during the period, rating descriptions will indicate increases in overall adult content (H1), sex (H2), and violence (H3). The hypotheses received various levels of support. Overall, adult content in PG-13-rated movies has increased; sexual content showed a marginal increase from 2001 to 2002; and violence, when mentioned, was described as more "intense" over the 3-year period. Implications of PG-13, the effects of sex and violence on adolescents, study limitations, and future research suggestions are all discussed.