The use of video games, agression, depressive symptoms and domestic violences in adolescents and young adults

Authors

  • Patricia Martínez Lanz Universidad Anáhuac México Norte
  • Diana Betancourt Ocampo Universidad Anáhuac México Norte
  • Alejandro González González Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Keywords:

Video Games, Depression, Violence, Aggression, Youth

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine differences on depressive symptoms, family violence and aggression in 801 adolescents and young people with different levels of exposure to video games with and without violent content. The average age of the participants was 17.5 years, of which 55.4% were male and 44.6% female. To assess depressive symptoms, the Certificate Center for Epidemiologic Studies was used, and for domestic violence, a scale was designed from 16 reactants that measure verbal and physical aggression, humiliation and respect; with regards to aggression, a Likert scale was designed from 13 reactants with four-response options: from never to always. And with regards to the use of video games, it was asked whether they use them or not, the motive why they like them, the approximate time a week playing them, and whether those video games have violent content and its type. The results showed significant differences in the variables evaluated as to the level of exposure to video games with violent content, which generally teenagers and young adults who reported higher exposure (more than 11 hours a week) had higher depressive symptoms, aggression and domestic violence than those with a lower level of exposure. © Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Sociales.

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Author Biographies

Patricia Martínez Lanz, Universidad Anáhuac México Norte

Coordinadora de Centro Anáhauc de Investigación en Psicología

Diana Betancourt Ocampo, Universidad Anáhuac México Norte

Investigadora del Centro Anáhauc de Investigación en Psicología

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Published

2013-07-01

How to Cite

Martínez Lanz, P., Betancourt Ocampo, D., & González González, A. (2013). The use of video games, agression, depressive symptoms and domestic violences in adolescents and young adults. Revista Colombiana De Ciencias Sociales, 4(2), 167–180. Retrieved from https://revistas.ucatolicaluisamigo.edu.co/index.php/RCCS/article/view/862

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