Emotional responses to filmed violence and the eye blink startle response - A preliminary investigation

The study assessed gender differences in e,notional responses to violent fi lm. Both subjective emotional response and eye blink startle magnitude were assessed while 20 men and 20 women viewed a series of five violent film se gments and five nature scenes. Participants exhibited higher levels of curi osity, anxiety, disgust, and anger; and lower levels of positive emotion an d boredom in response to the violent film segments in comparison with the n ature material. Startle response was magnified during the violent film segm ents, indicating an aversive response. Evidence that men and women responde d to the violence differently was demonstrated by men' experiencing greater positive feelings, entertainment, and curiosity in relation to the violent film, whereas women reported more disgust, boredom, anger; and experienced greater startle in relation to the violent scenes portrayed in the film. F uture directions for investigating filmed violence are outlined.