Longitudinal Structural Equation Modeling of Internet Game and Aggression in Children

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effects of Internet game on levels of aggression in children in the context of individual, familial, and social environments. The subjects were 2844 fourth graders participated in the Korean Youth Panel Survey between 2004 and 2008. Internet game use, the levels of aggression, self-esteem, self-control, stress, depression, attachment to parents, parental control, attachment to teachers, and attachment to peers were measured by 5-point Likert scales. The result showed that gender was the most effective factor influencing the initial level of, the rate of changes, an increase or decrease in the rate of changes in Internet game use and levels of aggression. Boys showed higher levels of Internet game use and aggression than girls. Children with higher self-esteem, self-control and lower stress and depression showed lower levels of Internet game use and aggression. The levels of Internet game use at fourth grade was positively correlated with later increase in the levels of aggression. Also, the faster increase in Internet game use caused faster increase in the levels of aggression later. Based on the results, preventive measures such as limiting the opportunities to access Internet games might be worth to decrease the aggressive behaviors among children.