It has been hypothesized that the viewing of television violence, particularly over an extended time, teaches aggressive behavior, increases arousal to violent stimuli, and desensitizes response to victims of violence. The catharsis theory of aggression holds that aggression is a drive that can be relieved by watching violence on television, such that actual aggression is less likely. The social learning theory maintains that aggression is learned through observation and imitation. Although many British and American studies have proven an association between exposure to violence and subsequent aggressive behavior, none has so far unequivocally proven causality. The weight of evidence to date suggests that filmed violence has a stimulating rather than a cathartic effect upon most children. The research indicates associations between persons with aggressive tendencies, aggressive behavior, and the viewing of violence on television. 39 references.