Impact of media frames, labeling, and information inclusion on implicit collusion of intimate partner violence perpetration

The term “implicit collusion,” in terms of media, is used to describe a media depiction that, while overtly condemning the violence perpetrated, implicitly endorses the act by presenting it in such a way that a reader could legitimately conclude that the behavior was justifiable. Purpose. Examine the relationship between implicit collusion of IPV perpetration and media depictions of IPV. Methods. Our pilot study tested and validated the Collusion Measurement Tool (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) in addition to collecting information on IPV knowledge and attitudes. The 72 participants were from a convenience sample recruited at four sites. Subjects were provided vignettes to determine the impact of media reports of IPV on consumers. Results/Outcomes. Media consumers were statistically significantly more likely to collude with the killer if negative victim information was included about the victim than if negative information was included about the perpetrator, or no negative information was included (F(1, 65) = 64.01, p = 0.00). When negative perpetrator information was included, media consumers were not significantly affected when compared to consumers of IPV reports that included no perpetrator or victim information. In the framing experiment, a “thematic” long term pattern of abuse that was cumulative in nature, a thematic frame resulted in significantly less perpetrator collusion (F(1,65)=3.8, p=0.028). Conclusions. News media portrayals of IPV may have undesirable effects on media consumers. These findings have potential implications for future research and intervention work to prevent IPV.