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Combining Computer Game-Based Behavioural Experiments With High-Density EEG and Infrared Gaze Tracking
Published on: December 16, 2010
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A longitudinal study of risk-glorifying video games and behavioral deviance
Jay G Hull1, Timothy J Brunelle1, Anna T Prescott1
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|August 5, 2014
Summary
Playing mature-rated, risk-glorifying (MRRG) video games is linked to increased deviant behaviors in adolescents. These effects stem from changes in personality, attitudes, and peer affiliations, impacting sensation seeking and rebelliousness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Video games offer virtual environments for behavior practice and identity exploration.
- Concerns exist regarding the influence of mature-rated, risk-glorifying (MRRG) games on adolescent development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between playing MRRG video games and changes in adolescent personality, attitudes, and behaviors.
- To examine the mediating role of personality and attitudinal shifts in the relationship between MRRG gameplay and deviant behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking adolescents over 4 years using random-digit-dial sampling.
- Linear mixed modeling and structural equation modeling with latent variables were employed for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Playing MRRG games correlated with increased alcohol use, smoking, aggression, delinquency, and risky sexual behavior.
- Mediational analyses indicated that MRRG gameplay influenced sensation seeking, rebelliousness, deviant attitudes, and affiliation with deviant peers.
Conclusions:
- MRRG video game play can contribute to a broad range of deviant behaviors in adolescents.
- The impact of MRRG games is mediated by changes in player personality, attitudes, and social affiliations, particularly among heavy players and those engaging with antisocial game protagonists.
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