Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Legitimacy of democracy is problematic without the support of the citizenry. This research will investigate the hypothesis that citizen satisfaction will increase after the adoption of a Mixed-Member Electoral system.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The results of previous studies on the relationship between television exposure and life satisfaction are often mixed. Negative, positive, and curvilinear relationship had been reported. In an attempt to detangle this problem, this study explored the relationship between overall television viewing and life satisfaction among college students, as well as the effects of exposure to the depiction of health risks in television medical dramas on viewers’ perceived health risks and life satisfaction. Health involvement was also included to see if it affects the relationship of television medical drama exposure to perceived health risks and life satisfaction. Results showed that overall television viewing was negatively associated with life satisfaction, and exposure to TV medical dramas tended to lower viewers’ life satisfaction, and health consciousness was important for understanding life satisfaction. Exposure to televised portrayals of health risks in television medical dramas tended to produce different results between viewers’ perceptions of health risks to themselves and to general others.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: A survey (N = 715) examined organizational and life issues that affect overall job satisfaction of daily newspaper journalists. The Herzberg motivational-hygiene theory is used to examine intrinsic or motivational factors (perceived organizational support; social support) and extrinsic or hygiene factors (work-family conflict; role overload; job demands) that affect overall job satisfaction. Results indicate that perceived organizational support and social support create satisfaction, and work-family conflict, role overload and job demands influence dissatisfaction. Additionally, 25.7 percent of journalists in this study said they intend to leave newspaper journalism. Open-ended responses indicated that the primarily reasons for leaving include industry issues/job satisfaction. In essence, the tangential elements that tend to wear on journalists – deadlines, long hours, clashes between work and family – appear to take their toll and create dissatisfaction but are not driving journalists from the workforce. Primarily, journalists intending to leave the profession are frustrated with fundamental issues that comprise an enjoyable work environment – support and encouragement.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Scholars, pundits, politicians, and the press by now widely accept the assertion that the European Union's institutions are insufficiently democratic. The Eurobarometer public opinion surveys seem to show that this malaise extends to citizens as well, with a majority in many member states ``dissatisfied with the way democracy works in the EU.'' We are skeptical, however, that this single item accurately reflects widespread dissatisfaction with EU institutions: the item appears to be highly sensitive to a framing effect in the survey. The Eurobarometer, by abruptly shifting the placement of the "satisfaction with democracy in the EU" question in 1994, unintentionally generated a survey experiment in question order effects. Specifically, our preliminary analysis suggests that the change in placement of the question appears to have framed EU democracy as a contrast to democracy at the national level. This paper examines this framing effect and how it varies across nations and demographic groups. The findings will speak to the general study of mass satisfaction with governing institutions and the contemporary empirical and normative concern of the democratic deficit in the European Union.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The present research examined possible predictors for romantic expectations, relationship satisfaction and development of parasocial relationships among individuals who were involved in committed relationships. Also, it predicted moderating effects for relationship satisfaction and perceived realism of romantic TV portrayals suggesting that the relation between exposure to romantic TV content and development of stronger parasocial relationship might differ at both level of satisfaction with current romantic relationship and realistic perception of romantic TV portrayals. Participants (196) were recruited from a larger sample (415) of young adults who completed self-administered questionnaires. Results revealed that the romantic TV variables were indeed positive predictors for romantic expectations, satisfaction and strength of parasocial relationship. Additionally, it was found that people holding more romantic expectations also reported more satisfaction in current relationship. Perceived realism was indeed a moderator for the relation between satisfaction and parasocial relationships with mediator characters. However, satisfaction did not interfere in the relation between exposure to romantic TV and parasocial relationships. Implications for these and other findings are discussed.