The Impact of Fictional Television Portrayals of Psychotherapy on Viewers' Expectations of Therapy, Attitudes Toward Seeking Treatment, and Induction into Dramatic Narratives
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: ROBISON, TROY A., Ph.D., August 2013, Psychology The Impact of Fictional Television Portrayals of Psychotherapy on Viewers’ Expectations of Therapy, Attitudes Toward Seeking Treatment, and Induction into Dramatic Narratives. Directors of Dissertation: Benjamin M. Ogles & John P. Garske Many have speculated that portrayals of psychotherapy in the popular media can influence viewer’s expectations, attitudes, and intentions to seek therapy. Unfortunately, these claims are rarely (if ever) validated by research studies using sound, controlled methodology. Similarly, no studies have examined therapy portrayals in connection to theories of media persuasion. The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the impact of fictional television portrayals of psychotherapy on the viewers’ beliefs about psychotherapeutic treatment. This study experimentally explored the effects of therapy portrayals on viewers’ expectations of treatment, attitudes about seeking psychotherapy, and explored the relationship between psychological distress and theoretically supported variables of media persuasion such as transportation and narrative engagement. The results of the study indicate that media portrayals influence viewers’ beliefs about seeking psychotherapy and characteristics of the therapist. A relationship between psychological distress and induction into dramatic media narratives was not found, however perceived realism of the portrayals was highly related to narrative induction.
Author: Troy A. Robison
Institution: Ohio University
Language: English
Topic: Media Influence and Health
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2275901454