Identification with and Social Comparison to Teen Mothers on Teen Mom Over Time

This study replicates from a cross-sectional study about how young Latina teen viewers identify with and socially compare to teen mothers on MTV's Teen Mom over time. Identification and social comparison effects on attitudes toward teen pregnancy were assessed among the same group of Latina teen viewers at two different time points approximately one year apart. Results determined that upward social comparison and identification were associated with positive attitudes toward teen pregnancy in eighth grade, whereas downward social comparison was associated with negative attitudes toward teen pregnancy in ninth grade. Implications for teen mom reality programming audiences are discussed.

Automated summary

This study replicates a cross-sectional study to explore how young Latina teen viewers identify with and socially compare to teen mothers on MTV's Teen Mom, and assess the effects on attitudes toward teen pregnancy. The findings indicate that upward social comparison and identification are associated with positive attitudes in eighth grade, while downward social comparison is associated with negative attitudes in ninth grade.