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

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

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

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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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Authors: Ferguson, C. J., & Rueda, S. M.
Affiliations: Texas A&M International University (US)
ORCID: Ferguson, Christopher J.
Venue: European Psychologist
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Published: 2010-01-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 2
Pages: 99-108
ISSN: 1016-9040 (ISSN-L)
1878-531X
DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000010
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 › Communication › Media Influence and Health
Keywords: violent video games, aggression, social learning theory, mood management, frustration, depression

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

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