The Role of Different TV Storytelling Approaches in Engaging U.S. Hispanic Parents and Caregivers Around Early Childhood Development

Authors

  • Caty Borum Chattoo Center for Media & Social Impact American University School of Communication
  • Lauren Feldman Rutgers University School of Communication and Information
  • Amy Henderson Riley Jefferson College of Population Health

Keywords:

television, Hispanics, reality TV, scripted drama, entertainment–education, narrative persuasion, social change

Abstract

Educational achievement gaps exist between racial and ethnic groups in the United States; early childhood readiness, fostered in part by parents and caregivers, is crucial. To respond to this challenge, the Univision television network produced content that aired across 3 storytelling genres (scripted drama, reality, news) to entertain and educate Hispanic parents and primary caregivers of children ages 0–5 years about early brain development interventions. This pretest/posttest experimental study assessed the impact of each genre and found significant direct effects on knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions; the effects were mediated by perceived entertainment value and positive emotions.

Author Biographies

Caty Borum Chattoo, Center for Media & Social Impact American University School of Communication

Director, Center for Media & Social ImpactAssistant Professor, American University School of Communication 

Lauren Feldman, Rutgers University School of Communication and Information

Associate Professor, Rutgers University School of Communication and Information

Amy Henderson Riley, Jefferson College of Population Health

Assistant Professor, Jefferson College of Population Health

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Published

2020-01-01

Issue

Section

Articles