REALITY TELEVISION VIEWING INFLUENCED BY EMERGING ADULTS’ DIFFERENTIATION

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine direct and indirect effects of differentiation on viewers’ television involvement and Gottman’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse behaviors through the amount of reality television viewed and viewers’ marriage readiness (i.e. relationship intentions) for emerging adults (age 18-26). Studies have identified that some emerging adults are thriving and living positively and others face many challenges (Nelson, & Padilla-Walker, 2013). Reality television has been increasingly popular within this demographic and labeled a “Super Peer,” because of its immense influence (Ward, 2002). There is a lack of research that assesses what variables affect reality television viewership. The researcher utilized a structural equation model to examine the relationships between differentiation and the impact of reality television. The data was collected through an online survey to understand the indirect and direct effects of reality television viewership on emerging adults and relationships.