We examine the notion of eudaimonic entertainment during exposure to a sad but meaningful movie, using a new measure consisting of 5 dimensions derived from research on positive psychology. We, thereby, transfer the conception of eudaimonic well-being to the conception of entertainment. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis show that the 5…

Examines patterns of perpetrator and negotiator message affect behavior in three crisis negotiation incidents. Uses the Michigan State Police four-stage strategic model of negotiation as a template. Finds that in all three incidents, perpetrators experienced an increase in message affect during the initial phase of negotiation, followed by a…

Discusses four studies investigating how affective orientation (AO) relates to other communication constructs and behavior: (1) the development of the AO measure; (2) assessment of construct validity; (3) association with communication production; and (4) ways high versus low affectively oriented communicators differ in their recall and…

Burleson and Goldsmith's (1998) comforting model suggests an appraisal-based mechanism through which comforting messages can bring about a positive change in emotional states. This study is a first empirical test of three causal linkages implied by the appraisal-based comforting model. Participants (N=258) talked about an upsetting event with a…

Reports on the development and study of a test of the ability to decode affect in others through the use of videotaped sequences of facial expressions and gestures. (MH)

Presents a study where undergraduate students viewed eight public service announcements, providing data on their cognitive and emotional responses to each, as well as judgments of the perceived effectiveness of the messages. Finds that when predicting perceived message effectiveness, the positive affects showed variation in the sign and magnitude…

Examines whether men exposed to filmed sexual violence are less physiologically aroused and less emotionally responsive to subsequent depictions of violence against women. Investigates, secondarily, the magnitude of the relationship between physiological reactions, emotional reactions, and subsequent judgments. (MS)