Effects of realism on extended violent and nonviolent video game play on aggressive thoughts, feelings, and physiological arousal

Abstract

Previous research has shown that playing violent video game exposure can increase aggressive thoughts, aggressive feelings, and physiological arousal. This study compared the effects that playing a realistic violent, unrealistic violent, or nonviolent video game for 45 min has on such variables. For the purpose of this study, realism was defined as the probability of seeing an event in real life. Participants (N 5 74; 39 male, 35 female) played either a realistic violent, unrealistic violent, or nonviolent video game for 45 min. Aggressive thoughts and aggressive feelings were measured four times (every 15 min), whereas arousal was measured continuously. The results showed that, though playing any violent game stimulated aggressive thoughts, playing a more realistic violent game stimulated significantly more aggressive feelings and arousal over the course of play. Aggr. Behav. 35:213-224, 2009.

Meta‐analysis of digital game and study characteristics eliciting physiological stress responses

“…The finding of a dampening effect of realism on the HR response is not consistent with the literature, where in general an increase of realism is correlated with an increased physiological stress response (Barlett & Rodeheffer, ; Ivory & Kalyanaraman, ). However, our finding is reconfirmed when the simple regression coefficient between realism and the HR stress response in our study sample is determined, being ‐0.337.…”

“…As was shown by Barlett and Rodeheffer (), physiological stress responses can show different patterns over different time periods. Therefore, we coded the duration the stressor was presented to the participants in minutes, (i.e., the time the participants played the stressor game).…”

Resting-State Peripheral Catecholamine and Anxiety Levels in Korean Male Adolescents with Internet Game Addiction

“…40 Moreover, our resting-state data showed patterns differing from those observed in most previous studies in which increased sympathetic tone occurred during and/or immediately after a gaming experiment. 21 , 22 , 24 Our findings are partially consistent with those of a small case–control study where adolescents with IA showed lower serum NE levels than those without IA. 33 In fact, ours is the first study suggesting the relevance of peripheral catecholamine to IGA.…”

A Multidimensional Approach for Evaluating Reality in Social Media: Mixed Methods Study

“…Of note, these findings build upon and extend previous research on several key areas, including the effects of mass media on health behaviors [ 7 , 14 , 15 ] and authenticity [ 18 - 20 ] or social media metrics [ 22 - 24 ] pertaining to health-relevant decisions and actions. The results illuminate the distinct nature of judgments regarding social media realism compared to mass media realism.…”