Trait Emotion and Emotional Response

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to extend the applicability of emotion theory as a means of understanding audience reaction to television programs. Specific predictions about audience emotional response to a potentially anxietyproducing program were tested incorporating trait emotion into the model. The appropriateness of a general emotion theory for measurement of audience response is extended with trait emotions proposed as important new variables. The first hypothesis suggested that viewers of "The Day After" will feel anxiety-operationalized as feelings of high arousal, low dominance and low pleasure. This hypothesis was supported. Partial support was found for the second hypothesis which posited that an individual's trait emotion level will influence his/her emotional response to an anxiety-producing television program. Specifically, it was suggested that individuals with high trait emotion levels will have different emotional responses than will individuals with low trait emotion levels after viewing the same anxiety-producing television program. The results are discussed in light of emotion theory. Suggestions for further research are offered. Additional informationNotes on contributorsSteven A. BeebeSteven A. Beebe is chairman and professor of Communication at Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, and Thompson Biggers is an associate professor in the School of Communication at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124. An earlier version of this article has appeared in World Communication Journal.Thompson BiggersSteven A. Beebe is chairman and professor of Communication at Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, and Thompson Biggers is an associate professor in the School of Communication at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124. An earlier version of this article has appeared in World Communication Journal.