The power of perception The relation between media images and Flemish children’s self -esteem Hanne Op de Beeck Children’s Rights Knowledge Centre De betekenis van beelden. April 2014
Cultivation theory Media’s influence on how we see children Source image: www.istockphoto.com The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
How we see children relates to children’s self -esteem Adults Adults: influence on formal and informal support Source image: www.advanced-television.com Children: information on actual and future roles; information on their own social group Source image: www.learningexpressblog.typepad.com The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
In sum… • How we see Self-esteem Media images children • Direct (identification) • Indirect (lowered support by adults) This hypothesis is tested among Flemish children and youth The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
Empirical study • Data: Youth Research Platform (JOP) self- report study 2013 (survey through mail) • Research questions: – Which images do children and youth perceive about themselves in the media? Do they believe these images correspond with reality? – Is there a significant correlation between media use and perceived images? – Are perceived media images related with self-esteem and if so, how? The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
Media images according to JOP respondents How often do you see in the meda…? Children and youth in a Children and youth Children and threathening who commit an youth who do fun situation or who offence activities with are victim of an their friends offence Children and youth Every who are rewarded day! because they did Do you think this something positive image corresponds with reality? Children and Children and youth in a Children and youth who threathening youth who do fun commit an situation or who activities with offence are victim of an their friends offence Children and youth who are rewarded because they did something positive The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
Media images and (digital) media use Age 14 to 18 years 5 4,5 4 3,5 3 2,5 2 1,5 1 0,5 0 Threatening situation/victim Offender TV and internet under median TV or internet above median TV and internet above median The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
Relation perceived images – self-esteem • Significant effects for ‘friends’ and ‘offender’ images SELF-ESTEEM Friends Ofender SELF-ESTEEM • Limited explanatory value: 2.6% The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
Relation perceived images – self esteem • Effects disappear when controlling for: Image friends Relation Image parents Agency offender Relation teacher Self-esteem Future Grade prospects retention • Grotere verklaringswaarde: 46.1% The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
Conclusion • Limitation: crossectional data Source image: www.azenby.com • Interpretation based on cultivation theory • Effects are small, but present Cf. Joye (2012): media follow a subtle and innate process by building a social climate that determines perceptions and cognitions on children and youth The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
THANK YOU • The Children’s Rights Knowledge Centre is suported by the Flemish Government • This study was made possible thanks to cooperation with the Youth Research Platform • More information: www.keki.be hanne.opdebeeck@keki.be Complete study The Power of Perceptions. November 2014
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