From Mario to Manhunt: The Effects ofViolent Video Game Content and Competition on Hostility and Aggressive Cognitions

Research has shown that playing violent video games can lead to increases in aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This study further examined this effect using a specially designed video game that allowed for precise manipulation ofviolent game play. Competition was independently manipulated and the interactive effects of competition and violence were studied. It was hypothesized that violence combined with competition would lead to greater aggressive thought and feelings. Consistent with this hypothesis, results show that male participants in the high violence, high competition condition report significantly greater hostility than participants in other conditions. Female participants show significantly greater hostility in response to competition but no evidence ofgreater hostility in response to violence