Citation

Unsworth G, Ward T. Aust. Psychol. 2001; 36(3): 184-192.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Australian Psychological Society, Publisher Wiley-Blackwell)

DOI

10.1080/00050060108259654

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Research in recent years indicates that children and adolescents are spending a significant amount of time entertaining themselves with video games. This work has lead to an investigation of the relationship between the playing of video games and violent behaviour. In this paper we provide an overview of the key findings of the above research, and outline possible mediating factors, including (a) individual/physiological differences, (b) reality perception, and (c) contextual features of violence. Finally, we discuss the use of clinical intervention, education, and filtering software as strategies for managing the possible violent effects of video games. The inconsistencies in the findings from a vast body of research and the rate of advancement in video game technology make it difficult to draw any firm conclusions about the relationship between exposure to video game violence and aggressive behaviour. However, it is concluded that there is preliminary evidence that violent video games may have an antisocial effect on young players. It is therefore recommended that Australian policy makers actively intervene at an educational level.