The Relationship between Violent Video Games Exposure and School Behavior Problems in Qatari Schools

Abstract

Research on violence in movies, television programs, music and video games indicates consistently that media violence increases the aggression and violence, in both immediate/short term and long term contexts. The relationship between violent video games and aggressive behavior is widely studied, but less is known regarding the relationship with school behavior problems. This study investigates the relationship between violent video games exposure and school behavior problems in a sample of 202 students. Multiple regression analysis showed that time spent playing violent video games was positively related to physical fights and antisocial behaviors. This is consistent with a meta-analytic review that found similar violent video game effects for people whether they lived in Western or Eastern countries