From Kerman U-Iran: "Computer games lead to anxiety, depression, withdrawal, rule-breaking behavior, aggression, and social problems in adolescents."

Addict Health. 2013 Winter;5(1-2):43-50.

A Study of the Correlation between Computer Games and Adolescent Behavioral Problems.

Shokouhi-Moqhaddam S1, Khezri-Moghadam N2, Javanmard Z3, Sarmadi-Ansar H4, Aminaee M5, Shokouhi-Moqhaddam M6, Zivari-Rahman M7.

Author information

• 1Senior Researcher, Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
• 2Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
• 3Academic Member, Department of General Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Zarand Branch, Kerman, Iran.
• 4Senior Researcher, Hamadan Educational Office, Hamadan, Iran.
• 5Student, Kerman University of Agricultural Applied Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
• 6Nurse, Department of Angiography, Shafa Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
• 7Senior Researcher, Medical Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Today, due to developing communicative technologies, computer games and other audio-visual media as social phenomena, are very attractive and have a great effect on children and adolescents. The increasing popularity of these games among children and adolescents results in the public uncertainties about plausible harmful effects of these games. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between computer games and behavioral problems on male guidance school students.

METHODS:

This was a descriptive-correlative study on 384 randomly chosen male guidance school students. They were asked to answer the researcher's questionnaire about computer games and Achenbach's Youth Self-Report (YSR).

FINDINGS:

The Results of this study indicated that there was about 95% direct significant correlation between the amount of playing games among adolescents and anxiety/depression, withdrawn/depression, rule-breaking behaviors, aggression, and social problems. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between the amount of computer game usage and physical complaints, thinking problems, and attention problems. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the students' place of living and their parents' job, and using computer games.

CONCLUSION:

Computer games lead to anxiety, depression, withdrawal, rule-breaking behavior, aggression, and social problems in adolescents.