True Crime Media Consumption and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

The current research study aimed to examine the relationship between crime-related media consumption and fear of crime in individuals with the diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder compared to individuals without the diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The study utilized Facebook and Facebook groups for the targeted population. The targeted population was adults over the age of 18 with and without the diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The study used a survey method that included a demographic questionnaire, a True Crime Media Consumption Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), and a Fear of Crime Scale. The total population was 131 participants. The results of the study indicate that there is significant correlation between the diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and fear of crime in individuals. Individuals with the diagnosis of GAD scored higher on the Fear of Crime Scale than individuals without the diagnosis. Further research would be beneficial in generalizing the results of the study.

Description

Keywords

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Fear, Crime, Media, Anxiety

Citation

DOI