Television Viewing and Behavioral Intentions 1
Effects of Television Viewing of Sexual Content on Behavioral Intentions in Priming
and No-Priming Conditions: A Cultivation Analysis From a Theory of Reasoned
Action Perspective
ABSTRACT
This study employed cultivation theory and the theory of reasoned action to explore the
cultivation process where television viewing of sexual content might influence behavioral
intentions through its effects on beliefs and attitudes regarding sex. A priming methodology was
also used to examine whether cultivation effects could be reduced or eliminated under priming
conditions, and whether the possible minimization of television effects on beliefs could influence
people’s subsequent behavioral intentions about sex. The results indicated that priming moderated
the cultivation effect such that the television effect on beliefs showed the greatest in the no-priming
condition but was dampened in the source and relation priming conditions. However, the resulting
effect of television on behavioral intentions was not eliminated through the use of priming.
Implications for the psychological process of cultivation effect and the measurement issues are
discussed.