Abstract
This study explores how repeated exposure to violent content in films, television series, and video games may influence behavioral outcomes among Egyptian media consumers. Drawing on the General Aggression Model, Social Learning Theory, and Cultivation Theory, it examines how individual interpretation, emotional involvement, and narrative absorption mediate the effects of media violence. It also considers how personality traits shape audience responses, specifically aggression, empathy, and narrative immersion.
A mixed-methods approach was adopted. A structured survey of 200 Egyptians aged 18 and above assessed media exposure, aggression, empathy, narrative engagement, and behavioral outcomes. In parallel, a content analysis of Egyptian films and series (2019–2025) aired on streaming platforms and internationally popular video games analyzed how violence was depicted in frequency, intensity, justification, and emotional tone. SEM was used to test both direct and mediated effects.
Findings indicate that participants high in aggression and low in empathy showed stronger engagement with violent media. This engagement helped link exposure to increased aggression and lower prosocial behavior. Content analysis revealed that violence was often framed as justified or consequence-free, reinforcing aggressive thinking through cultural and narrative cues. The study calls for collaboration among educators, regulators, and mental health professionals, and encourages further research into how cultural context and emotional engagement shape media effects across different age groups in non-Western societies.
School
School of Global Affairs and Public Policy
Department
Journalism & Mass Communication Department
Degree Name
MA in Journalism & Mass Communication
Graduation Date
Fall 2-15-2026
Submission Date
6-11-2025
First Advisor
Dr. Hesham Dinana
Committee Member 1
Dr. Rasha Allam
Committee Member 2
Nadine El Sayed
Extent
184 p.
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval
Approval has been obtained for this item
Recommended Citation
APA Citation
Eskander, M. E.
(2026).The Impact of Violent Content Media Exposure on Behavioral Outcomes: The Mediating Role of Media Engagement [Master's Thesis, the American University in Cairo]. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/2562
MLA Citation
Eskander, Melissia Emad. The Impact of Violent Content Media Exposure on Behavioral Outcomes: The Mediating Role of Media Engagement. 2026. American University in Cairo, Master's Thesis. AUC Knowledge Fountain.
https://fount.aucegypt.edu/etds/2562