Personality and executive functioning as explanatory variables in media technology use and responsiveness to media technology

Johnson, Matthew (2014). Personality and executive functioning as explanatory variables in media technology use and responsiveness to media technology. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

The current thesis investigates how personality traits of forensic interest – narcissism, psychopathy and trait aggression – drive engagement, interaction and responsiveness to different forms of media. Firstly, the thesis compares the impact of viewing real and fantasy violence on attitudes to violence and perceptions of the consequences of violence whilst controlling for the moderating influence of trait aggression and psychopathy. The impact of media violence on executive functioning, as measured by the Stroop Test, is also considered. The second part of the thesis investigates how overt and covert narcissism are manifest on social networking sites (SNS), their relation to self-reported self-esteem, and how narcissistic subtypes are manifest in different online behaviours. The general conclusion from all studies is that viewing violent media or use of social networking sites may not enhance antisocial acts. However, personality traits of forensic interest interacting with such media – narcissism and trait aggression – may result in violence / aggression to others and being subject to hostile and domineering relationships. However, for the covert narcissist, SNS use may accrue them a greater sense of self-worth. The findings presented herein are limited by a lack of power and the use of student samples to research aggression and executive functioning.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):