Abstract
The aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between mental health, while factoring for age, gender and violence catharsis. A correlational design with a cross-sectional quantitative survey was utilised. The 40-question online survey consisted of demographic questions, questions regarding violence catharsis and the DASS-21. 85 participants completed the survey. The study found that low, mid and high-level gamers did not differ on total DASS score, however a moderate, positive correlation was found between levels of violence catharsis and total DASS score. Male and female participants differed significantly in levels of violence catharsis but between age groups no significant difference was found. Analyses found no significant interaction effect for either the role of age and hours gaming on mental health or the role of gender and hours spent gaming on mental health. These results could inform future research into gender specific treatments for problematic gaming.
