Celebrities attract the attention of commercial interests and other public figures. They receive payments from sponsors to endorse brands. They are sought out to appear with politicians during election campaigns. They are used to promote health messages. In other words, celebrities are often perceived to possess qualities that give them special value or what we will refer to here as 'celebrity capital'. This means that celebrities are regarded as being able to add premium value to specific objects, events, and issues and hence render these items more valuable or effective. Employing an interesting and new approach to the growing scholarly interest in celebrity culture, Barrie Gunter uses the idea of value as expressed through the term 'capital'. Capital usually refers to the monetary worth of something. Celebrity capital however can be measured in economic terms but also in social, political and psychological terms. Research from around the world has been collated to provide an evidence-based analysis of the value of celebrity in the 21st century and how it can be systematically assessed. Including further reading for students, key points and end of chapter discussion questions, Gunter creates the first methodology to assess the value of fame.

This book is an academic work which reviews and critiques the research literature concerning violent games and their alleged effects on players. It examines the debates about the potential effects of these games and the divisions between scholars working in the field. It places the research on violent video games in the longer historical context of scholarly work on media violence. It examines research from around the world on the nature of video games and their effects. It provides a critique of relevant theories of media violence effects and in particular theories developed within the older media violence literature and then considers how useful this and newer scholarly work might be for policy-makers and regulators. The book identifies where gaps exist in the extent literature and where future research attention might be directed.

Corporate Assessment, first published in 1993, looks at four types of company audit and provides a pragmatic, readable guide for managers. The authors show how assessment of a company in terms of its culture, climate, communications and customers can enhance management vision and lead to recommendations designed to improve employee satisfaction, motivation, loyalty and performance. Insight is provided into the kinds of measurement tools and assessment techniques that are available, and the authors offer recommendations for the use of these instruments, and how best to utilize the information they can produce. This book will not only be of interest to managers who need to assess their companies, but to students of business, organizational psychology, and human resource management.

This volume places the spotlight on the role different media and communications systems played in informing the public about the pandemic, shaping their views about what was happening and contributing to behavioural compliances with pandemic-related restrictions. Throughout the pandemic, media coverage has played an important role in drawing attention to specific messages, influencing public risk perceptions and fear responses. Mainstream media and other electronic communication systems such as Facebook and WhatsApp have been pivotal in getting pandemic information out to the public, thereby influencing their beliefs, attitudes and behaviour and engaging them generally in the pandemic as stakeholders. In this timely volume, author Barrie Gunter considers how people reacted to this coverage and its contribution to their understanding of what was going on, including the influence of fake news and misinformation on public beliefs about the pandemic, from anti-lockdown protests to the "anti-vaxx" movement. In addition, looking at how government messaging was not always consistent or clear and how different authorities were found not always to be in harmony or compliance with the messages they put out, Gunter examines the harm done by presenting different publics with ambiguous or conflicting narratives. Drawing out important communications strategy lessons to be learned for the future, this is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences and for policymakers who assess government strategies, responses and performance.

Barrie Gunter and Jill McAleer examine the research evidence into the effects of television on children and their reponses to it. They conclude that children are more sophisticated viewers than we often give them credit for, and control television far more than it controls them.
This completely revised second edition of Children and Television brings the story of children and television right up to date and includes a discussion of the new entertainment media now available.

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News Media in the Arab World: A Study of 10 Arab and Muslim Countries is based on ongoing research at the Department of Media and Communication, University of Leicester, and has investigated the rapidly changing nature of the news media in Arab countries. They have investigated the role of newspapers and television in news provision and the impact of new media developments, most especially the emergence of the internet as a platform for news distribution and of international satellite television channels such as Al Jazeera. Examining the constantly developing nature of news, the collection contains separately authored chapters produced by the researchers responsible for each original analysis, covering Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Based on original primary and secondary research, this will be the first empirical-based collection to blend perspectives from both the Western and Arab nations.

Psychology of Behavioural Interventions and Pandemic Control is a unique text that examines the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to population risk factors and the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions deployed by many governments around the world to bring the pandemic under control. The book presents critical and insightful lessons that can be drawn up to assess governments' performance in relation to the pandemic and to guide the construction of effective measures to put in place in readiness for any future public health crises on this scale. It starts by examining lessons learned from historical pandemics and then turns to early epidemiological modelling that influenced the decision of many governments to implement wide-ranging interventions designed to bring public behaviour under close control. It also examines the findings of research that tried to understand pre-existing population risks factors which had some mediating influences over COVID-19, mortality rates, and the effects of interventions. Early modelling work is critiqued, and the discussion also identifies weaknesses in early modelling research. The author, Barrie Gunter, goes on to consider ways in which multiple disciplines can be triangulated to produce more comprehensive models of risk. He also offers suggestions on how future pandemic-related research might be constructed to deliver more powerful analyses of the effects of interventions and the role played by different population risk factors. This insight might then deliver better policies for pandemic control and for safe release from that control. This is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences. It would also be of interest to policy makers assessing government strategies, responses and performance.

Psychology of Behavioural Interventions and Pandemic Control is a unique text that examines the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to population risk factors and the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions deployed by many governments around the world to bring the pandemic under control. The book presents critical and insightful lessons that can be drawn up to assess governments' performance in relation to the pandemic and to guide the construction of effective measures to put in place in readiness for any future public health crises on this scale. It starts by examining lessons learned from historical pandemics and then turns to early epidemiological modelling that influenced the decision of many governments to implement wide-ranging interventions designed to bring public behaviour under close control. It also examines the findings of research that tried to understand pre-existing population risks factors which had some mediating influences over COVID-19, mortality rates, and the effects of interventions. Early modelling work is critiqued, and the discussion also identifies weaknesses in early modelling research. The author, Barrie Gunter, goes on to consider ways in which multiple disciplines can be triangulated to produce more comprehensive models of risk. He also offers suggestions on how future pandemic-related research might be constructed to deliver more powerful analyses of the effects of interventions and the role played by different population risk factors. This insight might then deliver better policies for pandemic control and for safe release from that control. This is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences. It would also be of interest to policy makers assessing government strategies, responses and performance.

This volume examines the topic of compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, and the non-pharmaceutical measures taken by governments in attempts to bring the pandemic under control. Discovery that COVID-19 was largely transmitted through the air meant that public health strategies were needed to limit close physical contact between people. Epidemiological modelling offered initial interventions to tackle the rate of spread, but to be effective these measures were dependent on widespread public adoption and compliance. This book examines the key theories and empirical approaches to behavioural change and compliance, and reviews research on their relative effectiveness in driving public behaviour. Author Barrie Gunter considers four principal models used: nudge theory, social identity-group processes theory, theory of planned behaviour and the capability-opportunity-motivation-behaviour (COM-B) model. Gunter weighs the pros and cons of each, offers commentary on lessons that can be learned from their application during the pandemic, and what they may have to offer in a triangulated approach, theoretically, methodologically and in terms of policy making. Examining not just the extent of compliance but also the psychological drivers of this behaviour over time, this is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences, and policy makers assessing government strategies, responses and performance.

This volume examines the topic of compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, and the non-pharmaceutical measures taken by governments in attempts to bring the pandemic under control. Discovery that COVID-19 was largely transmitted through the air meant that public health strategies were needed to limit close physical contact between people. Epidemiological modelling offered initial interventions to tackle the rate of spread, but to be effective these measures were dependent on widespread public adoption and compliance. This book examines the key theories and empirical approaches to behavioural change and compliance, and reviews research on their relative effectiveness in driving public behaviour. Author Barrie Gunter considers four principal models used: nudge theory, social identity-group processes theory, theory of planned behaviour and the capability-opportunity-motivation-behaviour (COM-B) model. Gunter weighs the pros and cons of each, offers commentary on lessons that can be learned from their application during the pandemic, and what they may have to offer in a triangulated approach, theoretically, methodologically and in terms of policy making. Examining not just the extent of compliance but also the psychological drivers of this behaviour over time, this is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences, and policy makers assessing government strategies, responses and performance.

This volume examines the undesirable or harmful cognitive, emotional and behavioural side-effects of COVID-19 and of the behavioural restrictions imposed by governments on their populations during the pandemic. Societal "lockdowns" and other intervening behavioural restrictions, built significantly around social isolation, used by governments to control the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of most people. There were economic costs for many as workplaces closed down, as well as severe stresses on friendships and romantic relationships, an increase in instances of abuse and domestic violence, and concerns about people drinking too much alcohol or gambling too much as compensatory behaviours. Understanding which people were at risk, and in what ways, could teach important lessons for the future. Presenting a timely review of the most recent international research and evidence, author Barrie Gunter assesses the major collateral, psychological side-effects of the pandemic. Looking forward, Gunter also considers how new models might be developed that take into account not just the need to halt the spread of a new virus, but also minimise collateral damage which could be every bit as severe in both the short term and long term. Identifying and analysing the nature and severity of collateral side-effects of pandemic-related behaviour restrictions, this is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences and policymakers assessing government strategies, responses and performance.

This volume examines the undesirable or harmful cognitive, emotional and behavioural side-effects of COVID-19 and of the behavioural restrictions imposed by governments on their populations during the pandemic. Societal "lockdowns" and other intervening behavioural restrictions, built significantly around social isolation, used by governments to control the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of most people. There were economic costs for many as workplaces closed down, as well as severe stresses on friendships and romantic relationships, an increase in instances of abuse and domestic violence, and concerns about people drinking too much alcohol or gambling too much as compensatory behaviours. Understanding which people were at risk, and in what ways, could teach important lessons for the future. Presenting a timely review of the most recent international research and evidence, author Barrie Gunter assesses the major collateral, psychological side-effects of the pandemic. Looking forward, Gunter also considers how new models might be developed that take into account not just the need to halt the spread of a new virus, but also minimise collateral damage which could be every bit as severe in both the short term and long term. Identifying and analysing the nature and severity of collateral side-effects of pandemic-related behaviour restrictions, this is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences and policymakers assessing government strategies, responses and performance.

This volume places the spotlight on the role different media and communications systems played in informing the public about the pandemic, shaping their views about what was happening and contributing to behavioural compliances with pandemic-related restrictions. Throughout the pandemic, media coverage has played an important role in drawing attention to specific messages, influencing public risk perceptions and fear responses. Mainstream media and other electronic communication systems such as Facebook and WhatsApp have been pivotal in getting pandemic information out to the public, thereby influencing their beliefs, attitudes and behaviour and engaging them generally in the pandemic as stakeholders. In this timely volume, author Barrie Gunter considers how people reacted to this coverage and its contribution to their understanding of what was going on, including the influence of fake news and misinformation on public beliefs about the pandemic, from anti-lockdown protests to the "anti-vaxx" movement. In addition, looking at how government messaging was not always consistent or clear and how different authorities were found not always to be in harmony or compliance with the messages they put out, Gunter examines the harm done by presenting different publics with ambiguous or conflicting narratives. Drawing out important communications strategy lessons to be learned for the future, this is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences and for policymakers who assess government strategies, responses and performance.

* Provides a much-needed overview and analysis of research on the significance of selfies, offering insights into the topic from a psychological perspective. * Examines issues such as body image, self-objectification, mental health and psychological benefits. * Represents a comprehensive analysis specifically of selfie behaviour which carries its own distinctive social, cultural and psychological currency among online activities.

* Provides a much-needed overview and analysis of research on the significance of selfies, offering insights into the topic from a psychological perspective. * Examines issues such as body image, self-objectification, mental health and psychological benefits. * Represents a comprehensive analysis specifically of selfie behaviour which carries its own distinctive social, cultural and psychological currency among online activities.

Media and the Sexualization of Childhood examines the on-going debates surrounding the prominence of sexual themes in children's lives, from clothes and accessories, toys and games, to music, entertainment media, advertising, and new media platforms. Parents, educators and politicians around the developed world have raised concerns about the effects all these experiences can have on the socialisation and psychological development of children and the extent to which the premature introduction of sexuality into their lives can place them at risk of unwanted attention. This book explores these issues using an evidence based approach that draws on research findings from around the world, representing the most comprehensive single account of the field. The book will be invaluable to students studying topics surrounding children and the media and childhood studies, as well as students of communication, media, cultural studies, sociology, psychology and health science.

Following the Arab Spring, the use of social media has become instrumental in organising activist movements and spreading political dissent in the Middle East. New online behaviours have transformed traditional communication channels, enabling young people of all backgrounds to feel politically empowered. But now that spring has turned to winter, what are the long-term implications of internet activism in the region? Social Media in the Arab World provides a unique insight into the role of online communications as a force for change in the Gulf States. Featuring examples as diverse as neo-patrimonial politics in Saudi Arabia and the ways an online presence affects the status of women in Kuwait, the chapters examine shifts in the political, social and religious identities of citizens as a result of increased digital activism. With contributions from a variety of inter-disciplinary experts, this wide-ranging study examines the consequences of changing power dynamics brought about by popular social media. In doing so, this book offers an original perspective on the long-term implications of internet usage in the Arab world and is essential reading for students and researchers working across the region.

Children and Television Consumption in the Digital Era provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary research on the developmental impact of children's screen engagement in modern society. Barrie Gunter explores how the world of television has evolved to become almost unrecognisable from the broadcast landscapes present over the last years of the 20th century. This key text considers how screen-based entertainment has become increasingly interactive, and how children have become accustomed to creating their own television schedules through streamed services. It explores key topics including screen experiences and the manifestation of prosocial and antisocial behaviour, advertising and the development of consumerism, and the evidence of screen time on a child's health and school performance. Gunter insightfully assesses television content that children are exposed to and its impact on cognitive and behavioural development. Featuring commentary on the challenges regulators face to keep up with rapidly developing screen technologies and suggestions on how parents can mediate their children's screen behaviour, this text is an essential read for researchers and students taking courses in child development, family studies, broadcasting and communication.

Children and Television Consumption in the Digital Era provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary research on the developmental impact of children's screen engagement in modern society. Barrie Gunter explores how the world of television has evolved to become almost unrecognisable from the broadcast landscapes present over the last years of the 20th century. This key text considers how screen-based entertainment has become increasingly interactive, and how children have become accustomed to creating their own television schedules through streamed services. It explores key topics including screen experiences and the manifestation of prosocial and antisocial behaviour, advertising and the development of consumerism, and the evidence of screen time on a child's health and school performance. Gunter insightfully assesses television content that children are exposed to and its impact on cognitive and behavioural development. Featuring commentary on the challenges regulators face to keep up with rapidly developing screen technologies and suggestions on how parents can mediate their children's screen behaviour, this text is an essential read for researchers and students taking courses in child development, family studies, broadcasting and communication.

Does violence on TV lead to violent behaviour? How does screen time impact child development? What is the effect of advertising on a child's behaviour? Twenty years after the publication of the first edition of Children and Television, these issues remain as pertinent as ever. In the new Classic Edition of this core textbook, Gunter and Gunter present research evidence into the effects of television on children and their responses to it. This comprehensive work examines a wide range of issues, including children's knowledge of television and how it impacts social roles, aggressive behaviour, advertising, health orientation and both good and bad behaviour, and concludes that children are sophisticated viewers and control television far more than it controls them. The Classic Edition includes a new preface to the current context of the book, exploring the emergence of new TV channels, enhanced home recording capacity, archiving and streaming services replacing traditional forms of viewing with non-linear viewing and their impact on children. This book is essential reading for postgraduate and undergraduate students taking courses on child development and family studies.

Does violence on TV lead to violent behaviour? How does screen time impact child development? What is the effect of advertising on a child's behaviour? Twenty years after the publication of the first edition of Children and Television, these issues remain as pertinent as ever. In the new Classic Edition of this core textbook, Gunter and Gunter present research evidence into the effects of television on children and their responses to it. This comprehensive work examines a wide range of issues, including children's knowledge of television and how it impacts social roles, aggressive behaviour, advertising, health orientation and both good and bad behaviour, and concludes that children are sophisticated viewers and control television far more than it controls them. The Classic Edition includes a new preface to the current context of the book, exploring the emergence of new TV channels, enhanced home recording capacity, archiving and streaming services replacing traditional forms of viewing with non-linear viewing and their impact on children. This book is essential reading for postgraduate and undergraduate students taking courses on child development and family studies.

Television is often accused of showing too much violence. However, it is rare that anyone stops to ask what this statement means. Violence on Television provides an objective analysis of the violence on television, how much there is and what form it takes. It presents findings from the largest ever sudy of the depiction of violence on television carried out in Britain, funded by the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Independent Television Commission. As well as presenting a quantitative analysis of the amount of violence on television, this research places great emphasis on investigating the character of violent portrayals and the contexts in which they occur. Barrie Gunter and Jackie Harrison present a detailed literature review, which examines previous research from around the world. They then explain the methodology and look at the problems of measuring and quantifying violence on television. They examine the specific attributes of violence, including the form it takes, its physical setting, its motives and consequences, and the nature of the characters involved as either aggressors or victims. They also examine the amount and nature of violent portrayals in different programme genres, such as films and drama, entertainment programming, news and factual programmes, and children's programmes. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in psychology, communication studies and media studies.

Psychographics have been developed in the field of market research as a way to relate consumer behaviour to market choice. This book, originally published in 1992, introduces the essential elements of psychographics. It shows how researchers go about defining consumer profiles and designing successful research programmes. It looks at the way they are applied in various consumer groups and uses case study material to focus on some specific products from cameras to pet food.

Originally published in 2003. This book examines the growth of news provision on the internet and its implications for news presentation, journalism practice, news consumers, and the business of running news organizations. Much of the focus is placed on the migration of newspapers onto the internet, but references are also made to the establishment of news websites by other organizations. The book examines the growth of online technology as a source of information and entertainment and considers how this development can be framed within models of communication and comments, on the apparent shortage of new models to explain the use, role, effectiveness, and impact of online communications.

This book reports findings from a major, multidisciplinary study of the impact of broadcast television on the remote island community of St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. Broadcast television was introduced to the island for the first time in March 1995. This introduction represented a major event on the island, whose only televisual experience had been through video. In the years leading up to the introduction of TV, the researchers who wrote this book collected data by observing the island's young children in classroom settings, and during free-play. In addition to these observations they asked the children's teachers to rate their students' behavior, and invited the children to explain to them what leisure time activities they engaged in. With the data they were able to amass on these key variables they have assembled and coded the results into baseline measures central to the study. Once TV had arrived, they collected data annually on the key dependent measures to determine if the introduction of broadcast TV had any discernible influence on the behavior of the children.