Cited by 167Bullying, Victimization, and AggressionDigital Games and MediaMedia Influence and Health

The Hitman Study: Violent Video Game Exposure Effects on Aggressive Behavior, Hostile Feelings, and Depression

Ferguson, Christopher J., Rueda, Stephanie M.·2010·European Psychologist

Abstract

This article explores commonly discussed theories of violent video game effects: the social learning, mood management, and catharsis hypotheses. An experimental study was carried out to examine violent video game effects. In this study, 103 young adults were given a frustration task and then randomized to play no game, a nonviolent game, a violent game with good versus evil theme (i.e., playing as a good character taking on evil), or a violent game in which they played as a “bad guy.” Results indicated that randomized video game play had no effect on aggressive behavior; real-life violent video game-playing history, however, was predictive of decreased hostile feelings and decreased depression following the frustration task. Results do not support a link between violent video games and aggressive behavior, but do suggest that violent games reduce depression and hostile feelings in players through mood management.

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Crossref · 10.1027/1016-9040/a000010

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62 of 62 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Ferguson, C. J., & Rueda, S. M.
Affiliations
Texas A&M International University (US)
Venue
European Psychologist
Published
2010-01-01
Volume
15
Issue
2
Pages
99-108
ISSN
  • 1016-9040 (ISSN-L)
  • 1878-531X
OpenAlex
W2107352186
Cited by
167
References
63
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 21 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 13
FWCI
19.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
European Psychologist (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Digital Games and Media
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Literature and Literary Theory › Media Influence and Health
Keywords
violent video games, aggression, social learning theory, mood management, frustration, depression

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