VIOLENT VIDEO GAME EXPOSURE AND ITS IMPACT ON AGRESSION AND MENTAL WELL BEING OF ADOLESCENTS (14-19 YEARS)

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between violent video game exposure, aggression, and psychological well-being among adolescents aged 14–19 years. With the increasing prevalence of digital gaming, concerns have emerged regarding its potential psychological impact. The present study aimed to investigate both behavioural (aggression) and emotional (well-being) outcomes within a single empirical framework.A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed with a sample of 243 adolescents. Violent video game exposure was assessed using the Video Game Questionnaire, aggression using the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and psychological well-being using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-tests, and simple linear regression. Results indicated that violent video game exposure was significantly positively associated with aggression and significantly negatively associated with psychological well-being. Aggression was also negatively associated with psychological well-being. Adolescents with higher exposure reported significantly higher aggression and lower well-being compared to those with lower exposure. Regression analyses showed that violent video game exposure significantly predicted both aggression and psychological well-being, with a stronger effect observed for aggression. Overall, the findings suggest that violent video game exposure is associated with measurable psychological outcomes in adolescence, although the effects are modest.