Citation

Ferguson CJ, Rueda SM. Eur. Psychol. 2010; 15(2): 99-108.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/1016-9040/a000010

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article explores commonly discussed theories of violent video game effects: the social learning, mood management, and catharsis hypotheses. An experimental study was carried out to examine violent video game effects. In this study, 103 young adults were given a frustration task and then randomized to play no game, a nonviolent game, a violent game with good versus evil theme (i.e., playing as a good character taking on evil), or a violent game in which they played as a "bad guy.'' Results indicated that randomized video game play had no effect on aggressive behavior; real-life violent video game-playing history, however, was predictive of decreased hostile feelings and decreased depression following the frustration task.

RESULTS do not support a link between violent video games and aggressive behavior, but do suggest that violent games reduce depression and hostile feelings in players through mood management.

Language: en