Study Examines the Role of Behavior-Independent Events on Character Likability

A new study co-authored by University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Public Relations Assistant Professor Rebecca Frazer examines whether events that happen to a character independent of their behavior also contribute to the development of character liking.

The research, “More or Less Likeable: The Role of Behavior-Independent Events in the Disposition Formation Process,” was published online in Media Psychology on Sept. 30, 2024.

The researchers, which also include The Ohio State University scholars Lucy Brown, Matthew Grizzard, Charles Francemone, Annie Dooley, Charles Monge and Samantha Flanagan, conducted two studies where participants read a story introduction that manipulated whether a positive or negative event had befallen a character.

In one study, the character was liked more when a negative economic event had befallen them and liked less when a positive economic event had befallen them as compared to a control condition. In the second study, the effects were replicated, but the researchers also examined whether health-related events would elicit similar effects.

They found that study participants liked the character more regardless of whether a positive or negative health event befell her.

Posted: October 7, 2024
Category: College News, Research News
Tagged as: Likability, Rebecca Frazer