Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

This study explores the emotional and psychological impact of reality television on student viewers in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, through the lens of Cognitive Appraisal Theory. Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 111 college students (61 males and 50 females) who regularly watch Tamil reality shows such as Bigg Boss Tamil, Super Singer, Jodi Number One, and Cooku with Comali. The study employed purposive sampling and used a self-administered questionnaire to assess constructs of coping, anxiety, and stress. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, with chi-square tests and cross-tabulations revealing significant associations between viewers’ cognitive-emotional appraisals of reality show content and their psychological outcomes. While some participants perceived reality shows as emotionally calming and supportive for coping, a substantial number reported heightened anxiety, mood fluctuations, and stress-related symptoms, including sleep disturbances. This research highlights the dual role of reality TV in being a coping strategy as well as the psychological provocation, depending on the personal assessment. The findings highlight the importance of appraisal coping congruity in the mental health outcomes prediction, thus providing implications to both future media psychology research and mental health intervention development.