Authors

1 Héctor Mena Medina, 2 Paula Guerrero Liñana

Position

1 Enfermero de Atención Primaria. Centro de trabajo CS Carlet.  Departamento de la Ribera. Alzira, Valencia (España).2 Enfermera de Atención Primaria. Centro de trabajo CS Carlet. Departamento de la Ribera. Alzira, Valencia (España).

Contact email: hmena4@hotmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: there is an ongoing increase in the popularity of videogames among gamers of all ages. There is a generalized concern that violent videogames might promote aggression or reduce empathy among players. Therefore, the main objective is to study the effects of violent videogames on aggressive behaviour in children and adolescents.
Material and method: in terms of methodological approach, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of violent videogames on aggressiveness in children and adolescents. The population was represented by 12-to-18-year-old children and adolescents from the Escuela Deportiva de San Marcelino, Escuela Deportiva de Mislata and the Colegio de la Devesa in Carlet (Valencia). The Game-Related Experience Questionnaire (GEQ) was applied. All analyses were conducted using the IBM® SPSS® version 25 statistical software.
Results: according to findings, videogames did not increase aggressive behaviour over time. A significant relationship was found between the use of videogames and the development of anger or discomfort during the game.
Conclusions: it was demonstrated that the majority of participants used videogames when they were bored and as a means of evasion. A gradually increasing time was spent on videogames in order to feel satisfied, and they attributed more importance to the time spent playing videogames even to the point of not going out with their friends.

Keywords:

videogames; aggressiveness; adolescents; Violence

Versión en Español

Título:

Efectos de los videojuegos violentos sobre la agresividad en niños y adolescentes