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Rethinking Longitudinal Studies of Media Violence and Aggression: A Rejoinder to Lacko et al.'s (2026) Comment
Zhaojun Teng1, Brad J Bushman2
1Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
Aggressive Behavior
|July 12, 2026
Summary
Future research on media violence and aggression requires better developmental focus, high-quality data, and transparent methods. Understanding when, how, and for whom media violence impacts aggression is crucial for rigorous longitudinal studies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Developmental Science
Background:
- Longitudinal research on media violence and aggression faces methodological and theoretical challenges.
- A recent exchange with Lacko et al. highlights key areas for improvement in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reflect on broader methodological and theoretical issues in longitudinal research on media violence and aggression.
- To outline five key lessons for enhancing future research in this area.
Main Methods:
- The study is a commentary and reflection based on an exchange with other researchers.
- It synthesizes points for improving the rigor of longitudinal studies on media violence and aggression.
Main Results:
- Five critical lessons for future research were identified:
- 1. Emphasize developmental processes.
- 2. Focus on analytical approaches and interpretation.
- 3. Utilize high-quality longitudinal data.
- 4. Promote transparency in data and methods.
- 5. Investigate the moderators and mediators of the media violence-aggression link.
Conclusions:
- Implementing these lessons will lead to more rigorous longitudinal research.
- A deeper understanding of the developmental processes linking media violence and aggression is achievable.
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