When Movies Matter: Emerging Adults Recall Memorable Movies

The present study utilized retrospective, autobiographical methodology to investigate the social psychological significance of specific movies, identified as memorable or meaningful for a sample of emerging adults (N = 83). Participants identified a movie and responded to a series of open-ended prompts including why the movie was chosen, the valence and socio-emotional context of the viewing experience, and its perceived emotional impact. Qualitative coding revealed three themes: Life Lessons (inspiration, social comparison, coping, and negative contemplation), Character Connections (identification and idealization), and Social Relationships (joy, gratitude, and loss). Life Lessons were associated with mixed-valence viewing experiences, significant life events, and ongoing emotional impact. Results highlight the role of movies in the social and emotional development of emerging adults.
Source: Journal of Adolescent Research - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: Articles Source Type: research