This article provides a meta-analytic review of the experimental effects of media violence on viewers' aggression in unstructured social interaction. In the reviewed experiments, children or adolescents were exposed to violent or control presentations and their postexposure behavior was coded for aggression during spontaneous social interaction. Exposure to media violence significantly enhanced viewers' aggressive behavior when the findings were aggregated across studies, but the effect was not uniform across investigations. Only suggestive evidence was obtained concerning moderators of the effect: Marginally stronger relations were obtained in those studies using a cross-section of the normal population of children (vs. emotionally disturbed children) and in those studies conducted in laboratory settings (vs. other contexts).
15 December 2006 in Maternal and Child Health Journal
Men having sex with men (MSM) now account for 7% of all HIV/AIDS cases in China and there is growing awareness that internal rural-to-urban migration might shift the HIV epidemic within China by broadening social and sexual mixing. About 70% of HIV/AIDS infections are among rural residents, of whom 80% are males and 60% aged 16-29. This young, male, rural-to-urban migrant population has been identified as the 'tipping point' for the AIDS epidemic in China. A subgroup of these migrants is the 'money boy' population, i.e. those who engage in same-sex transactional sex for economic survival. However, the literature addressing money boys is very limited. The present study aims to elucidate factors for preventing substance abuse and HIV among two types of money boys 'gay-identified' and 'non-gay-identified' living in the Shanghai metropolitan area. This work is conceptually underpinned by Chng et al.'s (2003) tripartite model, which postulates that risk behaviors (e.g. substance abuse) engaged in by transient or non-native individuals are often shaped and regulated by factors in the home environment, migration experience and current environment. Results reveal gay and non-gay money boys were not significantly different in age, income, marriage status and education. Both groups shared similar patterns of substance use. Both groups had high self-reported depressive symptoms and low HIV knowledge. However, sexual orientation differentially predicted HIV testing, with gay money boys more likely to be tested for HIV. Non-gay money boys showed fewer sexual risks. HIV prevention targeting MSM (including money boys) within rapidly changing China is discussed, as are methodologies and outreach strategies most effective for particular subgroups of MSM.
To examine HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among ‘money boys’ and general male migrants in Shanghai, China. A quantitative cross-sectional design with self-administered paper-and-pencil instruments was used. A total of 239 money boys were enrolled using community popular opinion leader and respondent-driven sampling methods, and 100 general male migrants were enrolled through venue-based sampling. Compared to general male migrants, money boys were significantly younger, better educated, more likely to be single, earned a higher income, suffered greater stress, and were less satisfied with life in Shanghai. Both groups had substantial misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, although general male migrants were less well informed. Furthermore, both groups reported low rates of condom use, regardless of who their sexual partners were. Money boys were more likely to use alcohol, had more sexual partners and more casual sex partners, and were more likely to engage in other sexual risks. Moreover, they were likely to be the victims of sexual violence at the hands of their clients. More than half of the money boys had been tested for HIV and 3% self-reported to be HIV-positive, whereas only 1% of the general male migrants had ever been tested and all self-reported to be HIV-negative. Infection with other sexually transmitted diseases was also reported by money boys. This study suggests an urgent need to implement HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention programs targeting male migrants, especially money boys and their clients. Some recommendations for conducting interventions among the male migrant population in China are suggested.