Aggression and Those At-Risk

Published in 2008 in the April issue of European Psychiatry, it was discovered that specific physiological traits, such has aggression, self-control, and narcissism may predispose some to video game addiction (Joo Kim, Namkoong, Ku, Joo Kim, 2008). The study surveyed 1471 online video game users, using online self-report methods. The methods used included questionnaires, the game addiction scale, the Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire, a self-control scale, and a narcissistic personality disorder scale. The researcher’s results showed a positive correlation between narcissistic personality traits and video game addiction. In contrast, self-control was found to be negatively correlated with gaming addiction. As well, researchers found that using multiple regression analysis could predict the extent of a person’s gaming addiction based on the person’s narcissistic personality traits, aggression, self-control, interpersonal relationships, and occupation.  This study helps researchers understand those at risk of becoming addicted to video games, and contributes to developing programs to prevent video game addiction (Joo Kim, Namkoong, Ku, Joo Kim, 2008).

In 2009, researchers attempted to determine the relationship between aggressive behaviours and video game addiction, as well as the moderating effects of gender, school, and depression. The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, used 9405 youths who answered questionnaires about a number of factors. Factors assessed include their aggressive behaviours, gaming addiction, internet activities, demographics, depression, self-esteem, family life, and violent television. The study found that adolescents with internet addiction were more likely to have aggressive behaviours. Online chatting, adult websites, online gaming, online gambling, and bulletin board systems were all associated with aggressive behaviours. These are significant findings, and contribute to developing preventive programs for aggressive behaviours, as well as an understanding that these behaviours must be addressed as early as possible, as these behaviours are more significant among people at a younger age (Ko, Yen, Lui, Huang, Yen, 2009).        

Citations

Joo Kim, E., Namkoong, K., Ku, T., & Joo Kim, S. (2008, April). The relationship between online game addiction and aggression, self-control and narcissistic personality traits. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924933807014459

Ko, C., Yen, J., Liu, S., Huang, C., & Yen, C. (2009, June). The Associations Between Aggressive Behaviors and Internet Addiction and Online Activities in Adolescents. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X08006769