Books by Maya Gotz

Experiencing fear in front of the screen is a common phenomenon in childhood, and a focus of public concern. In this innovative book, this universal experience is investigated in depth via two complementary studies: a retrospective study of experiences and a study of current nightmares by watching television of 510 children in five countries.

This book elucidates what makes television characters attractive to girls and boys. Typical self-developmental trajectories of girls and boys and the problems associated with these trajectories are shown from a gender-specific perspective. Therefore specific series and general formats are examined from a media-analytical perspective.

This work offers insights into children's descriptions of their invented or "make-believe" worlds, and the role that the children's experience with media plays in creating these worlds; based on the results of a cross-cultural study conducted in the United States, Germany, Israel, and South Korea.