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The effects of pathological gaming on aggressive behavior.
Jeroen S Lemmens1, Patti M Valkenburg, Jochen Peter
1The Amsterdam School of Communication Research ASCoR, University of Amsterdam, Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.s.lemmens@uva.nl
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|June 16, 2010
Summary
Pathological gaming predicts more time spent gaming and increased physical aggression, particularly with violent games. This effect is pronounced in adolescent boys, who are more susceptible to problematic gaming involvement.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Pathological gaming is linked to excessive play and aggression.
- Longitudinal data are needed to understand the causal relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if pathological gaming predicts increased gaming time.
- To investigate how pathological gaming influences physical aggression.
Main Methods:
- Two-wave panel study of 851 Dutch adolescents (540 gamers).
- Assessed pathological gaming, gaming time, and physical aggression.
Main Results:
- Higher pathological gaming predicted increased gaming time over 6 months.
- Playing violent games specifically increased physical aggression.
- Pathological gaming increased physical aggression in boys, irrespective of game violence.
Conclusions:
- Pathological gaming can lead to escalating gaming habits.
- Violent game exposure and pathological gaming contribute to physical aggression, especially in adolescent males.
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