The impact of perceived character similarity and identification on moral disengagement. (22nd December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsay, Mina; Krakowiak, K. Maja
• Is Part Of: International journal of arts and technology. Volume 4:Number 1(2011)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2011-12-22
• Subjects: moral disengagement -- narrative enjoyment -- character identification -- character similarity -- character disposition -- disposition theory -- social distance -- antisocial behaviour; Technology and the arts -- Periodicals; Computer art -- Periodicals; 700.285
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-8853

Abstract

Enjoyment of entertainment media has often been conceptualised as a function of viewers' dispositions towards characters and the gratification sought from witnessing the justification of character actions. Motivated by disposition theory and third–person effect's social distance corollary, this study examines how character similarity and identification predict the degree to which viewers morally disengage, or accept antisocial behaviours of characters as morally acceptable. Findings suggest that perceived similarity between the viewer and character mediates the relationship between identification and moral disengagement, which in turn leads to greater affective enjoyment of a narrative. Implications for the nature of the moral disengagement process and its effects are discussed.