The Spiral of Violence: Equity of Violent Reprisal in Professional Wrestling and its Dispositional and Motivational Features |
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| Authors: | Kenneth A Lachlan PhD Ron Tamborini PhD Rene Weber PhD and MD David Westerman PhD Paul Skalski PhD Jeff Davis MA |
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| Institution: | 1. Communication Department , Boston College;2. Department of Communication , Michigan State University;3. Department of Communication , University of California Santa Barbara;4. Department of Communication Studies , West Virginia University;5. School of Communication at Cleveland State University;6. Michigan State University |
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| Abstract: | Though lacking empirical evidence, professional wrestling has been criticized for portraying excessive violence in harmful contexts. This study focused on the equity of violent reprisal perpetrated by liked versus disliked protagonists with socially sanctioned or unsanctioned motives. Results of a quantitative content analysis show that most violent interaction sequences were over-retributive. Violence that was not part of match competition was routinely initiated for normatively unsanctioned motives and showed predominant patterns of escalating violent retribution. These patterns held across perpetrator disposition. Thus, liked characters regularly aggressed for normatively unacceptable reasons. The consequences of these portrayals are discussed. |
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