Effects of songs with prosocial lyrics on prosocial thoughts, affect, and behavior
Author(s):
Tobias Greitemeyer
Publication Year:
2009
Type:
journal article
Journal/Book Title
Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
Publisher
Editor(s):
Pages:
186-190
Volume:
45
Issue:
1
Abstract:
Previous research has shown that exposure to violent media increased aggression-related affect and thoughts, physiological arousal, and aggressive behavior as well as decreased prosocial tendencies. The present research examined the hypothesis that exposure to prosocial media promotes prosocial outcomes. Three studies revealed that listening to songs with prosocial (relative to neutral) lyrics increased the accessibility of prosocial thoughts, led to more interpersonal empathy, and fostered helping behavior. These results provide first evidence for the predictive validity of the General Learning Model [Buckley, K. E., & Anderson, C. A. (2006). A theoretical model of the effects and consequences of playing video games. In P. Vorderer, & J. Bryant, (Eds.), Playing video games: Motives responses and consequences (pp. 363–378). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates] for the effects of media with prosocial content on prosocial thought, feeling, and behavior.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Greitemeyer, Tobias. 2009. “Effects of Songs with Prosocial Lyrics on Prosocial Thoughts, Affect, and Behavior.” Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 45 (1): 186–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2008.08.003.