Investigating the Levels of Civic Engagement and Callous Traits Moderated by Coping Skills in Response to War-Related Media Exposure

Abstract

This study examines the impact of war-related media exposure on civic engagement (CE) and callous traits (CT), with a focus on the moderating effects of coping strategies. Utilising a sample predominantly composed of university students and a sample of 132 individuals, the research employed validated scales to measure the key variables. While the hypotheses posited that higher exposure to war-related content would influence CE and CT, the findings were not statistically significant. The results suggest that factors such as media literacy, psychological resilience, and the type of media consumed may play critical roles in shaping these outcomes. Additionally, the study highlights the complexities of indirect media exposure and its limited impact on psychological traits in this demographic. Despite the non-significant findings, this research contributes to the understanding of media’s psychological effects and underscores the importance of considering individual differences and contextual factors. Future research is recommended to explore these relationships in more diverse populations and through longitudinal designs.