Brad J. Bushman

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Brad J. Bushman is a leading scholar in the psychology of aggression, violence, and media effects, whose work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of human hostility. With over 100,000 citations, his research spans the causes and consequences of aggressive behavior, from the impact of violent media and video games to the role of narcissism and self-esteem in triggering violence. Bushman is perhaps best known for his landmark meta-analyses demonstrating that exposure to violent media increases aggression, as well as his influential work on the "weapons effect" and the catharsis myth—showing that venting anger actually amplifies, rather than reduces, aggression. His 2025 paper on "robot abuse" extends his aggression framework into human-robot interaction, defining a new frontier in sociotechnical research. A prolific author and frequent expert witness, Bushman has received numerous awards, including the Kurt Lewin Award for distinguished research, and his work is cited in policy debates on media regulation worldwide.