Contributions of Media Consumption, Media Type, and Media Genre to Polarizing Perceptions of Foster and Adoptive Care

Conference: The European Conference on Media, Communication & Film (EuroMedia2021)
Title: Contributions of Media Consumption, Media Type, and Media Genre to Polarizing Perceptions of Foster and Adoptive Care
Stream: Law, Policy & Media Ethics
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation
Authors:
Leslie Ponciano, Hope Education Research Solutions, United States
Noah Nash, Peace4Kids, United States
Zaid Gayle, Peace4Kids, United States

Abstract:

Despite high-profile media properties (Batman, Storm, Spiderman, Superman) with positive adoption and foster care stories, our research found that the public perceives that youth in foster care (FC) are negatively presented by the media as compared to youth in adoptive care (AC) and that these portrayals contribute to corresponding perceptions for their real-life outcomes. A national survey (N=2487 adults distributed across gender, race, age; 16% experienced FC/AC) asked about media consumption and perceptions. The most frequently selected/highly ranked media portrayals for youth in FC were 1) Victim, 2) Survivor, 3) Criminal, and 4) Drug Addict and their most frequently identified real-life outcomes were 1) Unemployment, 2) School Dropout, 3) Teen Pregnancy, and 4) Incarceration. The most frequently selected/highly ranked media portrayals for youth in AC were 1) Survivor, 2) Loving Child/Parent, 3) Role Model, and 4) Mentor/Guide and their most frequently identified real-life outcomes were 1) Healthy Relationships, 2) Financial Independence, 3) Career Success, and 4) College/Advanced Degree. The majority believed these portrayals to be accurate. We found significant negative relationships between perceptions of AC and FC media portrayals (r=-.15, p<.05) and perceptions of AC and FC life outcomes (r=-.65, p<.001). The type (network channels, newspapers/news channels) and genre (news, drama) of media consumed significantly impacted the magnitude of those differences (R2 values - type: .02 to .10; genre: .03 to .11). These questionable media narratives and false dichotomy highlight the need for more accurate and balanced portrayals of FC in media to support resiliency for vulnerable and marginalized youth.

Virtual Presentation

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