A case for an integrative view on affect regulation through media usage

Holger Schramm; Werner Wirth

doi:10.1515/COMMUN.2008.002

Article

A case for an integrative view on affect regulation through media usage

Holger Schramm and Werner Wirth

Published/Copyright: March 4, 2008

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From the journal Volume 33 Issue 1

Abstract

Zillmann's mood-management theory (Zillmann, 1988) has acquired a prominent place in media psychology and makes reliable predictions about people's hedonistically motivated mood regulation via entertainment offerings. However, the full potential for explaining affect regulation through media usage has not been exhausted so far. Therefore, we aim at an integrative view of the field based on empirical findings from communication studies as well as on the background of contemporary theories of mood (regulation) and emotion (regulation). The purpose of this analysis is to argue towards an integrative theoretical perspective which considers both unconscious and conscious/reflected processes of affect regulation through media, supplements the hedonistic motive with other non-hedonistic, instrumental motives of affect regulation, looks at selection behavior as well as at other behavioral and cognitive strategies of affect regulation, and encompasses individual attributes (particularly those with affinity to affects).

Keywords: communication theory; mood management; emotion; emotion regulation; reception processes; media selection; media use

Published Online: 2008-03-04

Published in Print: 2008-01-01

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/COMMUN.2008.002

Keywords for this article

communication theory; mood management; emotion; emotion regulation; reception processes; media selection; media use