Work

From protection to self-reliance: media exposure to police use-of-force and Its impact on black emerging adult women

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the mediating role of perceived police legitimacy in the relationship between exposure to videos of police use-of-force and personal safety behaviors among Black emerging adult women. Using surveys from 152 participants, findings showed that greater exposure to police use-of-force videos was associated with decreased reliance on police for personal safety, and this relationship was mediated by perceptions of police legitimacy. Path analysis revealed that perceptions of police as less legitimate led to greater reliance on self or others for safety. These results highlight the impact of media exposure on trust in police and personal safety strategies.

Source: Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work

DOI: 10.1080/15313204.2025.2535970

Authors: Robert O Motley, Whitney Irie, Betty L. Wilson

Institutions: Boston College, University of South Carolina

Language: English

Topic: Policing Practices and Perceptions

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities