Affects of computer game playing on 11 - 14 year olds

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Authors
Cooper, Elizabeth
Issue Date
2004
Degree
BA Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights
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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.