Effects of viewing aggression-laden cartoons on preschool-aged emotionally disturbed children

In two separate studies preschool-aged emotionally disturbed (ED) children were exposed to both aggressive and control cartoons. Behavioral effects were assessed using direct observations of classroom behaviors. The findings from the first experiment with one class of ED youngsters failed to confirm the existence of a media effect. The two classes in Experiment II, however, showed a clear pattern of media reactivity. Their level of nonphysical aggression increased following both aggressive and control cartoons. Contrary to expectation, however, the children became less noncompliant and exhibited less play aggression following exposure to the cartoons.