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.

Keywords: Adolescents; Aggression; Anger; Game addiction; Nursing.