Investigating Personality and Viewing-Motivation Correlates of Reality Television Exposure |
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| Authors: | Jennifer Stevens Aubrey Loreen Olson Mark Fine Todd Hauser David Rhea Brian Kaylor |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Communication , University of Missouri aubreyj@missouri.edu;3. Department of Communication Studies , University of North Carolina–Greensboro;4. Department of Human Development and Family Studies , University of North Carolina–Greensboro;5. Department of Communication Studies , Governors State University;6. School of Communication Studies , James Madison University |
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| Abstract: | This study investigated the personality and viewing-motivation correlates of reality television exposure. Results from a survey of 592 undergraduates showed that extroversion negatively predicted reality television exposure, whereas neuroticism was not associated with it. Both instrumental (social interaction, information, and arousal) and ritualized (relaxation, pass time, entertainment, and companionship) viewing motivations positively predicted exposure to reality television. A two-stage model by which personality traits contributed to viewing motivations, which, in turn, contributed to the selection of reality television, was tested and offered an adequate fit to the data. Implications for uses and gratifications research are discussed. |
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| Keywords: | Audience Appeal Personality Reality Television Uses and Gratifications |
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