1st Edition

Communication and Emotion Essays in Honor of Dolf Zillmann

    616 Pages
    by Routledge

    616 Pages
    by Routledge

    This collection serves two important functions: it synthesizes theory and research in the vital and vibrant area of communication and emotion, and it highlights the scholarly work and contributions of Dolf Zillmann, the preeminent contributor to this area of inquiry.

    As one of the most productive and influential scholars in the annals of communication inquiry, Zillmann is well known for his contributions in the areas of communication, emotion, media effects, and aggression. Editors Jennings Bryant, David Roskos-Ewoldsen, and Joanne Cantor have collected groundbreaking essays from scholars active in the field, all of whom studied under or worked with Zillmann during his exemplary career. The contributions included here acknowledge the significance of Zillmann's work and identify many of the intellectual streams that contributed to his scholarship.

    Utilizing both psychology and communication perspectives, this volume covers the current literature in communication and emotion, with a focus on key theories, media effects, and entertainment theory. As a comprehensive synthesis of theory and research in communication and emotion, it will be of great interest to scholars in communication theory, cognitive and social psychology, and psychophysiology. With a concluding state-of-the-art chapter by Dolf Zillmann himself, this volume offers a thorough and distinctive examination of communication and emotion scholarship, and it will serve as an invaluable resource for current and future generations of scholars.

    Contents: L. Erlbaum, Foreword: An Unusual Man. Part I: Introduction. J. Bryant, D. Roskos-Ewoldsen, J. Cantor, A Brief Biography and Intellectual History of Dolf Zillmann. Part II: Essential Theories and Concepts in Communication and Emotion. J. Bryant, D. Miron, Excitation-Transfer Theory and Three-Factor Theory of Emotion. A.A. Raney, Disposition-Based Theories of Enjoyment. M.B. Oliver, Mood Management and Selective Exposure. A.I. Nathanson, Rethinking Empathy. P. Vorderer, Entertainment Theory. N. Mundorf, J. Mundorf, Gender Socialization of Horror. H-B. Brosius, Exemplars in the News: A Theory of the Effects of Political Communication. Part III: Empirical Advances in Media Effects. J. Cantor, Media Violence Effects and Interventions: The Roles of Communication and Emotion. D. Brown, Pornography and Erotica. P.A. Oppliger, Humor and Learning. S.S. Sundar, News Features and Learning. D.R. Roskos-Ewoldsen, What Is the Role of Rhetorical Questions in Persuasion? R. Gibson, Effects of Photography on Issue Perception. Part IV: Empirical Advances in Research on Media Entertainment. C.M. King, Humor and Mirth. S. Knobloch, Suspense and Mystery. A.A. Raney, Enjoyment of Sports Spectatorship. R. Tamborini, Enjoyment and Social Functions of Horror. D. Miron, Enjoyment of Violence. K. Harrison, Fitness and Excitation. S. Knobloch, N. Mundorf, Communication and Emotion in the Context of Music and Music Television. C.F. Aust, Factors in the Appeal of News. Part V: Theoretical Advances and Emerging Perspectives. D. Zillmann, Theory of Affective Dynamics: Emotions and Moods.

    Biography

    Jennings Bryant, David R. Roskos-Ewoldsen, Joanna Cantor

    "the book's true riches. And these are several. First, the range of subjects investigated mirrors the impressive breadth of Zillman's research in media use and gratification. All the major promontories of the mass media-news, sports, entertainment-are explored, as are the outcroppings of violence, pornography, eroticism, and horror. Second, the high overall quality of these essays makes them a good introduction to the scope of contemporary communication research. Especially useful are the essays' literature reviews and bibliographies, which comprise a handy reference to major works in the field. The most significant aspect of the book, however, is methodological; it charts the breadth of Zillman's multidisciplinary approach."
    Communication Research Trends