The effect of digital game addiction on aggression and anger levels in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of digital game addiction on aggression and anger levels in adolescents.

Design and methods

The participants of this cross-sectional study were adolescents. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Game Addiction Scale, and Buss-Perry Aggression Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Anova, correlation and linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data.

Results

In this study, game addiction and aggression levels of adolescents were determined as moderate. The game type that adolescents played the most was determined as war games with 35 %. The mean score of the Game Addiction Scale for male adolescents, those with medium and high income levels, those who play digital games for >8 h a day and every day, was found to be significantly higher. In this study, a positive and moderately significant correlation was found between Game Addiction Scale and Aggression Total Scale and Anger subscale (p < 0.05). Especially male gender (β = 0.273), high income status (β = −0.089), long time playing digital games (β = 0.173) and playing digital games every day (β = 0.360) were determined as predictors that increase game addiction.

Conclusions

Digital game addiction can trigger aggression and anger in adolescents. Nurses play a crucial role in screening and identifying adolescents at risk of game addiction to prevent aggression and anger.

Practice implications

According to the findings of this research, it is necessary to provide training and counseling to prevent digital game addiction in schools and to plan strategies by psychiatric nurses.