The effect of violent video game play on emotion modulation of startle
Abstract
Previous research investigating the effects of violent video games have repeatedly
demonstrated a connection with increased aggression. The General Aggression Model
has incorporated many different theories of aggression into a unified model which
suggests two routes (priming and desensitization) through which exposure to violent
video games might increase aggression. The present research tests these routes using the
emotion modulated startle technique. Startle was elicited while participants viewed a set
of negative violent images before and after playing a violent or nonviolent video game.
Competing hypotheses predict startle potentiation in support of priming, and startle
attenuation in support of desensitization, while viewing violent negative images. The
results indicate a differential attenuation of the startle response for game play conditions.
Results ultimately support the desensitization hypothesis through a less negative emotional reaction to the violent negative pictures for those playing the violent video
game, but not those playing the nonviolent video game.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Methods -- Data analysis and results -- Discussion
Degree
M.A.