Fostering Support for LGBTQ Youth? The Effects of A Gay Adolescent Media Portrayal on Young Viewers

Authors

  • Traci Gillig University of Southern California
  • Sheila Murphy University of Southern California

Keywords:

gender, emotion, identification, LGBT, homosexuality, media representations

Abstract

This study used experimental methods to examine the effects of a media portrayal of two gay 13-year-old characters on young viewers’ attitudes toward LGBTQ people and issues by exploring the influence of gender identity and sexual orientation on viewers’ reactions. An online quasi-experiment of 469 participants, ages 13–21, revealed that gender identity and sexual orientation influenced viewers’ emotional involvement with the storyline and identification with the characters, which was associated with a change in attitudes. For LGBTQ youth, the story evoked hope and fostered positive attitudes; however, it tended to produce a boomerang effect among heterosexual/cisgender youth, eliciting the emotion of disgust and leading to significantly more negative attitudes toward LGBTQ people and issues.

Author Biographies

Traci Gillig, University of Southern California

Doctoral student in communication at the USC Annenberg School. She explores media representations of diversity and the effects of such portrayals on viewers' attitudes and behaviors, particularly among youth. She also evaluates the role of empowerment programs and health interventions in youth development.

Sheila Murphy, University of Southern California

Professor of communication at USC Annenberg. The primary focus of her research has been investigating how message factors (such as framing, channel, affective versus noneffective information), individual level factors (such as ethnicity, gender, self-efficacy, identification, and involvement) and cultural level factors (e.g., social norms and beliefs) impact decision-making.

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Published

2016-07-27

Issue

Vol. 10 (2016)

Section

Articles

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