This comprehensive and cutting-edge volume defines entertainment studies and provides a theoretical spine for future research. For scholars/researchers/students in media studies and mass communication, psychology, marketing, etc.

Contents: Preface. Part I: Preparation and Reception Processes.P. Vorderer, F.F. Steen, E. Chan, Motivation. J. Bryant, J. Davies, Selective Exposure Processes. D.R. Anderson, H.L. Kirkorian, Attention and Television. L.J. Shrum, Perception. R.J. Harris, E.T. Cady, T.Q. Tran, Comprehension and Memory. R.H. Wicks, Media Information Processing. Part II: Reaction Processes.P.M. Valkenburg, J. Peter, Fantasy and Imagination. N. Rhodes, J.C. Hamilton, Attribution and Entertainment: It's Not Who Dunnit, It's Why. A.A. Raney, The Psychology of Disposition-Based Theories of Media Enjoyment. D. Zillmann, Empathy: Affective Reactivity to Others' Emotional Experiences. J. Cohen, Audience Identification With Media Characters. W. Wirth, Involvement. D. Zillmann, Dramaturgy for Emotions From Fictional Narration. S. Knobloch-Westerwick, Mood Management: Theory, Evidence, and Advancements. S. Trepte, Social Identity Theory. M. Schmitt, J. Maes, Equity and Justice. C. Klimmt, T. Hartmann, H. Schramm, Parasocial Interactions and Relationships. J. Cantor, Why Horror Doesn't Die: The Enduring and Paradoxical Effects of Frightening Entertainment. M.B. Oliver, J. Kim, M.S. Sanders, Personality. D. Miron, Emotion and Cognition in Entertainment. Part III: Application of Psychological Theories and Models to Entertainment Theory.M. Zuckerman, Sensation Seeking in Entertainment. M. Schreier, (Subjective) Well-Being. B. Scheele, F. DuBois, Catharsis as a Moral Form of Entertainment. P. Ohler, G. Nieding, An Evolutionary Perspective on Entertainment.