As if to prove that there is no hard evidence proving that video games cause violent behaviour, The American Psychological Association has released a special document that includes several studies into the subject.
Let is start with the findings of Patrick Markey, PhD who said, "Previous research has shown us that personality traits like psychoticism and aggressiveness intensify the negative effects of violent video games and we wanted to find out why."
He used a study analysis based on Five-Factor Model. The five factors being: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness.
His results "suggest that it is the simultaneous combination of these personality traits which yield a more powerful predictor of violent video games. Those who are negatively affected have pre-existing dispositions, which make them susceptible to such violent media."
Now, let's see what Christopher J. Ferguson, PhD, of Texas A&M International University - the editor of the special report has to say, "Much of the attention to video game research has been negative, focusing on potential harm related to addiction, aggression and lowered school performance.
"Recent research has shown that as video games have become more popular, children in the United States and Europe are having fewer behaviour problems, are less violent and score better on standardized tests. Violent video games have not created the generation of problem youth so often feared."
He concludes, "Violent video games are like peanut butter. They are harmless for the vast majority of kids but are harmful to a small minority with pre-existing personality or mental health problems."
Have that set of opinions for free to use next time your gaming is questioned.
Let is start with the findings of Patrick Markey, PhD who said, "Previous research has shown us that personality traits like psychoticism and aggressiveness intensify the negative effects of violent video games and we wanted to find out why."
He used a study analysis based on Five-Factor Model. The five factors being: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness.
His results "suggest that it is the simultaneous combination of these personality traits which yield a more powerful predictor of violent video games. Those who are negatively affected have pre-existing dispositions, which make them susceptible to such violent media."
Now, let's see what Christopher J. Ferguson, PhD, of Texas A&M International University - the editor of the special report has to say, "Much of the attention to video game research has been negative, focusing on potential harm related to addiction, aggression and lowered school performance.
"Recent research has shown that as video games have become more popular, children in the United States and Europe are having fewer behaviour problems, are less violent and score better on standardized tests. Violent video games have not created the generation of problem youth so often feared."
He concludes, "Violent video games are like peanut butter. They are harmless for the vast majority of kids but are harmful to a small minority with pre-existing personality or mental health problems."
Have that set of opinions for free to use next time your gaming is questioned.