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Cross-sectional survey finds antisocial music and media exposure correlates with deviant beliefs in adolescents, suggesting prosocial engagement provides protective buffers.
This study explores the link between antisocial-themed music and visual media consumption and high school students’ attitudes towards deviant behaviors. A total of 118 students from a predominantly Hispanic rural community in California’s Central Valley participated in a Qualtrics survey about their music and media habits and beliefs about deviant behaviors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to develop three reliable scales: the Negative Music Scale, the Negative Visual Media Scale, and the Deviant Beliefs Scale. Bivariate analyses showed significant correlations between exposure to antisocial-themed music and visual media and acceptance of deviant behaviors. While most students did not consume high levels of antisocial-themed music and media, those who did scored higher on the “Deviant Beliefs Scale.” Engagement in prosocial activities among young people may function as a barrier against the potential harms of excessive antisocial-themed entertainment consumption.
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Oatis et al. (2026) studied this question.
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