This study examines the perceived effects of the Virginia Tech shooting news coverage on self and others’ attitudes toward gun control policy and the moderating role of gun ownership. One hundred sixty-four respondents completed an online survey. Larger, third-person perceptions (TPPs) were reported for those who owned guns due to the reduction of the perceived effect on self. Exposure to gun-related news was associated with perceived effect on self, but only for non-gun owners. Results are discussed in light of TPP and intergroup research.
Publication Information
Atwell Seate, Anita, Elizabeth L. Cohen, Yuki Fujioka, and Cynthia A. Hoffner. 2012. "Exploring Gun Ownership as a Social Identity to Understanding the Perceived Media Influence of the Virginia Tech News Coverage on Attitudes toward Gun Control Policy." Communication Research Reports 29 (April): 130-139. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08824096.2012.667773