Crime Shows and Sensational Interests: An Exploratory Examination of Students in Criminal Justice Related Majors By

It has been assumed for many years that people who commit sadistic or other violent crime possess an unhealthy fascination with violence and death. Numerous studies have focused on levels of such sensational interests among criminal populations with a view to rehabilitation. What appears to be missing from current literature is an examination of sensational interests among those who work with, or aspire to work with, criminal populations. Further, we have yet to examine whether prolonged exposure to popular media influences levels of sensational interests. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study compares levels of sensational interests among 240 students in criminal justice related majors with non-criminal justice majors using an adapted version of the Sensational Interests Questionnaire (SIQ), and the effect that popular media has on sensational interests. In keeping with previous tests of sensational interests, personality traits are also examined. Results from the study indicate students in criminal justice related majors have significantly higher levels of sensational interests than non-criminal justice related majors, and the number of hours spent watching crime related television shows is the best predictor of sensational interests. Further, there are a number of similarities found between predictors of sensational interests for students in criminal justice related majors and predictors of sensational interests among offenders examined in earlier studies. Implications from the study for criminal justice educators and practitioners are discussed.