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2025-02-18
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info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
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MDPI
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Resumen
Background: Exposure to violent content through video games can shape perceptions of aggression as normative or acceptable, potentially desensitizing adolescents to violence and increasing the likelihood that they will engage in aggressive behavior in their real-world interactions. This narrative review examines the relationship between violent video games (VVGs) and youth aggression, addressing (i) VVG exposure through the lens of Social Learning Theory and the General Aggression Model; (ii) the biological determinants of aggressive behavior, including neurophysiological correlates and the potential modulatory role of the gut microbiome; (iii) and current evidence on the influence of VVG exposure on adolescent aggression. Results: VVG exposure may promote moral disengagement and reinforce aggressive behavior through rewarding violent actions, potentially leading to real-life aggression. Exposure to VVGs increases aggression by elevating cortisol levels, activating the sympathetic nervous system, stimulating the brain’s reward system, and disrupting neurotransmitter balance. Alterations in gut microbiome composition could occur as a result of engaging in VVGs, potentially mirroring the physiological responses observed in violent real-world activities. The relationship between VVGs and aggression among adolescents has been widely explored, with studies generally indicating that VVG exposure can lead to desensitization to violence, reduced empathy, and diminished prosocial behavior. VVGs have also been linked to both bullying perpetration and victimization dynamics among adolescents, contributing to mental health issues, which in turn exacerbate problematic gaming behaviors. Conclusions: While there is evidence suggesting that exposure to VVGs is associated with increased adolescent aggression, discrepancies in the literature highlight the need for further research aimed at improving our understanding of this phenomenon. The studies on this topic reveal significant limitations, including a predominance of cross-sectional designs, methodological shortcomings, small sample sizes, and challenges in generalizing results. Factors such as the developmental stages of the participants, the exclusion of females, and unmeasured variables during long follow-up periods further complicate interpretations. Moreover, parental responsibility and the effectiveness of age ratings require closer examination.
Descripción
La versión registrada de este artículo, publicado por primera vez en Psychology International, 7(1), 12, está disponible en línea en el sitio web del editor: https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint7010012.
The registered version of this article, first published in Psychology International, 7(1), 12, is available online from the publisher's website: https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint7010012.
Categorías UNESCO
Palabras clave
violent video games, adolescents, aggressive behavior
Citación
Borrego-Ruiz, A.; Borrego, J.J. Adolescent Aggression: A Narrative Review on the Potential Impact of Violent Video Games. Psychol. Int. 2025, 7, 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint7010012
Centro
Facultad de Psicología
Departamento
Psicología Social y de Las Organizaciones