Crime Curiosity Among College Students
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Sociology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Sociology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Esther Malm, PhD.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Crime Curiosity Among College Students
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns among college students, with over 30% reporting that anxiety has negatively impacted their academic performance (American College Health Association, 2023). Alongside anxiety, perceived vulnerability to crime, which is described as an individual's belief about their likelihood of becoming a victim, and how it has been linked to hypervigilance, protective behaviors, and avoidance. Both constructs may be influenced by the growing consumption of true crime media. Using the basis of cultivation theory, which suggests that repeated media exposure shapes perceptions of reality, this study examines whether true crime consumption is associated with elevated anxiety symptoms and greater perceived vulnerability to crime among college students. Prior research supports these connections. Tremblay (2023) found that higher true crime consumption predicted greater fear of crime and protective behaviors, while Solis (2025) linked consumption to heightened fear and hypervigilance among women. Rush (2022) identified a significant positive correlation between true crime consumption and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, and Greenglass et al. (2024) found that repeated exposure to violent media was associated with elevated anxiety more broadly. Despite this evidence, gaps in the research remain. Most studies have focused on general adult populations rather than college students, who face unique stressors that may amplify susceptibility. Few studies have examined generalized anxiety symptoms as a primary outcome or meaningful frequency levels in consumption habits. The present study addresses these gaps by investigating two hypotheses: (1) college students who consume true crime content more than twice per week will report higher anxiety levels than those who consume it less than twice a week, and (2) higher true crime consumption will be associated with greater perceived vulnerability to crime. Data is being collected from Murray State University students via the SONA survey system, with a target of 60-100 participants; the study is ongoing with 73 participants to date. Findings may help clarify whether true crime media represents a risk factor for anxiety and distorted safety perceptions among college students.
Keywords: Anxiety, True Crime, Perceived Vulnerability, Sleep Disturbances
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Crime Curiosity Among College Students
Crime Curiosity Among College Students
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns among college students, with over 30% reporting that anxiety has negatively impacted their academic performance (American College Health Association, 2023). Alongside anxiety, perceived vulnerability to crime, which is described as an individual's belief about their likelihood of becoming a victim, and how it has been linked to hypervigilance, protective behaviors, and avoidance. Both constructs may be influenced by the growing consumption of true crime media. Using the basis of cultivation theory, which suggests that repeated media exposure shapes perceptions of reality, this study examines whether true crime consumption is associated with elevated anxiety symptoms and greater perceived vulnerability to crime among college students. Prior research supports these connections. Tremblay (2023) found that higher true crime consumption predicted greater fear of crime and protective behaviors, while Solis (2025) linked consumption to heightened fear and hypervigilance among women. Rush (2022) identified a significant positive correlation between true crime consumption and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, and Greenglass et al. (2024) found that repeated exposure to violent media was associated with elevated anxiety more broadly. Despite this evidence, gaps in the research remain. Most studies have focused on general adult populations rather than college students, who face unique stressors that may amplify susceptibility. Few studies have examined generalized anxiety symptoms as a primary outcome or meaningful frequency levels in consumption habits. The present study addresses these gaps by investigating two hypotheses: (1) college students who consume true crime content more than twice per week will report higher anxiety levels than those who consume it less than twice a week, and (2) higher true crime consumption will be associated with greater perceived vulnerability to crime. Data is being collected from Murray State University students via the SONA survey system, with a target of 60-100 participants; the study is ongoing with 73 participants to date. Findings may help clarify whether true crime media represents a risk factor for anxiety and distorted safety perceptions among college students.
Keywords: Anxiety, True Crime, Perceived Vulnerability, Sleep Disturbances