Abstract
Computer Game Playing has become very much a part of our contemporary society.
The objective of this study was to examine the experiences of children, and young
adults, playing such games, to ascertain if there are any links between computer
game playing, aggression and hostility.
100 pupils from Knocklyon Community School, Dublin, and 65 pupils from The
Eureka Secondary School for girls in Kells, Co. Meath, participated in this study by
completing a confidential questionnaire that was designed to examine the dynamics of
their experiences including physical and verbal aggression, and hostility.
Results show that there is a definite link between computer game playing, and
Physical and Verbal aggression. Any significant link between computer game playing
and hostility is not noted.
Findings show a significant increase was noted in levels of physical
aggression and verbal aggression due to playing computer games for periods of more
than eight hours per week. It was also noted that male participants who displayed a
preference for a violent content to their games were noticeably more at risk of
exhibiting higher levels of physical aggression and verbal aggression. A further
finding was that females displayed higher levels of physical aggression, and verbal
aggression that their male counterparts.
