Exploring Self-Esteem and Aggression Level in Adolescent Groups: Violent Video Gamers, Gaming Addicts and Non-Addicts

Abstract

The widespread engagement of contemporary youth in video games and smartphone gaming apps, at the expense of outdoor activities, is a serious global concern. This study investigated the impact of violent video game exposure on self-esteem and aggression among adolescent gamers. A sample of 212 adolescent boys, aged 14-18, was selected and divided into three groups: violent video gamers, gaming addicted group, and non-addicted gaming group. The Gaming Addiction Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire were used to measure levels of gaming addiction, self-esteem, and aggression. Data were analysed and interpreted using SPSS 20.0 software. The results of the one-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in self-esteem and aggression among the three groups. The post-hoc analysis revealed that violent video gamers had significantly lower self-esteem and higher aggression level compared to gaming addicted and non-addicted group. In contrast, non- addicted group had higher self-esteem and lower aggression level compared to violent video gamers and gaming addicted group. These findings suggest that exposure to violent video games can have negative effects on self-esteem and aggression, and highlight the importance of responsible gaming practices and parental guidance. The study’s results have implications for parents and educators, and suggest the need for monitoring and regulating the content of video games, particularly those accessible to children and adolescents.