The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in National Periodicals, 1982-1990

• Main Author: Morrison, Matthew E.
• Format: Others
• Published: BYU ScholarsArchive 2005
• Subjects: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Press coverage; United States; History; 20th century; Church; the press; American periodicals; Communication; Cultural History; Mormon Studies
• Online Access: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4964; https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5963&context=etd

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has continued to receive exposure in national periodicals. This thesis will explore that image from 1982 to 1990. During those years, the church continued to grow in membership and expand its existing programs. National periodicals can assist in assessing the public image of the Church because they help "mould public attitudes by presenting facts and views on issues in exactly the same way at the same time throughout the entire country." In this manner, they help to form the public opinion about the Church. They also reflect existing opinions because magazine publishers cater to what the public is interested in. This study will enhance the reader's understanding of this image by discussing the topics that received the greatest emphasis during that time period. This study is preceded by two theses, one by Adam H. Nielson covering the Church's image from 1970-1981, and the other by Dale P. Pelo, which studied the image of the Church from 1961-1970. Richard O. Cowan presented a doctoral dissertation which covered 1850-1961. This thesis is a continuation of those studies, and implements the same research procedures and methods.