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Ritchie MB, Compton SAH, Oliver LD, Finger E, Neufeld RWJ, Mitchell DGV. The impact of acute violent videogame exposure on neurocognitive markers of empathic concern. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae031. [PMID: 38727544 PMCID: PMC11223611 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Research examining the purported association between violent gaming and aggression remains controversial due to concerns related to methodology, unclear neurocognitive mechanisms, and the failure to adequately consider the role of individual differences in susceptibility. To help address these concerns, we used fMRI and an emotional empathy task to examine whether acute and cumulative violent gaming exposure were associated with abnormalities in emotional empathy as a function of trait-empathy. Emotional empathy was targeted given its involvement in regulating not only aggression, but also other important social functions such as compassion and prosocial behaviour. We hypothesized that violent gaming exposure increases the risk of aberrant social behaviour by altering the aversive value of distress cues. Contrary to expectations, neither behavioural ratings nor empathy-related brain activity varied as a function of violent gaming exposure. Notably, however, activation patterns in somatosensory and motor cortices reflected an interaction between violent gaming exposure and trait empathy. Thus, our results are inconsistent with a straightforward relationship between violent gaming exposure and reduced empathy. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of considering both individual differences in susceptibility and other aspects of cognition related to social functioning to best inform public concern regarding safe gaming practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary B Ritchie
- Graduate Program in Clinical Science and Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Shannon A H Compton
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Lindsay D Oliver
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5R0A3, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Finger
- Robarts Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, ON N6C 0A7, Canada
| | - Richard W J Neufeld
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Derek G V Mitchell
- Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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Holmgren HG, Stockdale L, Shawcroft J, Coyne SM, Fraser AM. Toddlers and the Telly: A latent profile analysis of children's television time and content and behavioral outcomes one year later in the U.S. JOURNAL OF CHILDREN AND MEDIA 2023; 17:298-317. [PMID: 37600082 PMCID: PMC10434976 DOI: 10.1080/17482798.2023.2195194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ubiquity of tablets and smartphones, television remains the most frequently used screen media consumed by young children. However, it is likely that variability exists in how young children use media; for example, while some may view small amounts of aggressive content, others may view many hours each day of aggressive and prosocial media content. It is possible that differences in toddler television time and content also impact behavioral outcomes. The aims of this study were two-fold; first, we examined profiles of children's time spent watching television and media content viewed. Second, we examined longitudinal relations between media use profiles and outcomes including aggression, prosocial behavior, and problematic media use. Results suggested a three-profile solution of children's television time and content, including "Low TV content," "High child-centered content," and "High aggressive content" profiles. The "High aggressive content" group experienced higher levels of problematic media use and aggressive behavior one year later compared to other classes. The discussion focuses on implications of these findings. We urge parents to become aware of both television time and media content as they may relate to problematic media use behaviors in young children.
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Eirich R, McArthur BA, Anhorn C, McGuinness C, Christakis DA, Madigan S. Association of Screen Time With Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Children 12 Years or Younger: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:393-405. [PMID: 35293954 PMCID: PMC8928099 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Importance Currently, there is a lack of consensus in the literature on the association between screen time (eg, television, video games) and children's behavior problems. Objective To assess the association between the duration of screen time and externalizing and internalizing behavior problems among children 12 years or younger. Data Sources For this systematic review and meta-analysis, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published from January 1960 to May 2021. Reference lists were manually searched for additional studies. Study Selection Included studies measured screen time (ie, duration) and externalizing or internalizing behavior problems in children 12 years or younger, were observational or experimental (with baseline data), were available in English, and had data that could be transformed into an effect size. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic were excluded. Of 25 196 nonduplicate articles identified and screened for inclusion, 595 met the selection criteria. Data Extraction and Synthesis The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Extracted variables were child age, sex, and socioeconomic status; informants and measurement type for screen time and behavior problems; study publication year; and study design and quality. Data were extracted by 2 independent coders and were pooled using a random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the association of screen time duration with externalizing (eg, aggression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms) and internalizing (eg, depression, anxiety) behaviors or diagnoses. Results Of the 595 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 87 studies met all inclusion criteria, comprising 98 independent samples and 159 425 participants (mean [SD] age, 6.07 [2.89] years; 83 246 [51.30%] male). Increased duration of screen time had a small but significant correlation with more externalizing problems (90 samples; r, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.10-0.12) and internalizing problems (43 samples; r, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.05-0.08) in children. Several methodological moderators explained between-study heterogeneity. There was evidence of significant between study heterogeneity (I2 = 87.80). Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis found small but significant correlations between screen time and children's behavior problems. Methodological differences across studies likely contributed to the mixed findings in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Eirich
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brae Anne McArthur
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ciana Anhorn
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Claire McGuinness
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dimitri A Christakis
- Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle.,Editor, JAMA Pediatrics
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Liu Y, Guo X, Yang B. Age at onset of drug use and aggressive behavior: The role of internal and environmental factors. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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5
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Chiang J, Chang F, Lee K. Transitions in aggression among children: Effects of gender and exposure to online violence. Aggress Behav 2021; 47:310-319. [PMID: 33570759 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed aggression statuses and transitions among children and examined the effects that gender and exposure to online violence can exert on aggression. A sample of 2155 children recruited from 30 primary schools in Taipei, Taiwan completed surveys in both 2015 (5th grade) and 2016 (6th grade). Latent transition analysis (LTA) was performed, and the results identified three latent statuses of aggression: "None," "School aggression," and "Cyber-aggression." About 10% of children behaved aggressively. When in their 5th-grade year, boys were more likely than girls to be a school aggressor (6.48% vs. 4.04%) or a cyber-aggressor (2.37% vs. 1.64%). Among boys who originally were considered to be a school aggressor, 36.19% remained so, 58% renounced their school aggression status, and 5.81% became a cyber-aggressor. Among girls who originally were considered to be a cyber-aggressor, 22.23% remained so, 68.29% renounced their cyber-aggression status, and 9.48% became a school aggressor. Controlling for student's academic performance, household income, and parents' marital status, exposure to online violence was a statistically significant predictor of aggression status for both boys and girls. Children's exposure to online violence appeared to increase the risk of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeng‐Tung Chiang
- Department of Statistics National Chengchi University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Fong‐Ching Chang
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education National Taiwan Normal University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Kun‐Wei Lee
- Department of Statistics National Chengchi University Taipei Taiwan
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Liu S, Chang FC, Chiu CH, Li F, Chen PH, Chen CY, Lin YP, Chiang JT. Parent-Child Discrepancies in Reports of Exposure to Violence/Pornography on Mobile Devices and the Impact on Children's Psychosocial Adjustment. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2020; 24:390-398. [PMID: 33211544 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2020.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the discrepancies between reports from parents and children concerning children's exposure to violence/pornography on mobile devices and the impact on the psychosocial adjustment of children. Data were obtained from a sample of 2,230 parent-child dyads recruited from 16 elementary schools (1,140 dyads) in Taiwan and 9 schools (1,090 dyads) in China. A self-administered questionnaire was used. The results showed that about 30 percent of children reported being exposed to violence on mobile devices. Approximately 70 percent of their parents were unaware of their child's exposure to violence on mobile devices. About 16 percent of children reported exposure to pornography on mobile devices, and 80 percent of their parents were unaware of this exposure. Multinomial logistic regression results showed that after controlling for parent and child sociodemographic variables, factors related to parental unawareness of child exposure to violence on mobile devices included a child's ownership of mobile devices, smartphone/tablet use time, a lower level of parental understanding, and a residence in China or in a rural area, whereas the parent-child relationship and a child's smartphone/tablet use time were associated with parents who were unaware of their child's exposure to pornography. Multiple regression results showed that children who were living with household poverty, had a poor parent-child relationship, spent much time using a smartphone/tablet, and with parents who were unaware of their exposure to violence/pornography on mobile devices were more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Liu
- Department of Preschool Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fong-Ching Chang
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Hui Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Information and Computer Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fubao Li
- Research Center of Educational Science, Shouguang Education and Physical Bureau, Shouguang, Shandong, China
| | - Ping-Hung Chen
- The Graduate Institute of Mass Communication, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Chen
- Taipei City Hang-An Seniors' Home Multiple Long-Term Care Services, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Tung Chiang
- Department of Statistics, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Muller JN, Moroco A, Loloi J, Portolese A, Wakefield BH, King TS, Olympia R. Violence Depicted in Superhero-Based Films Stratified by Protagonist/Antagonist and Gender. Cureus 2020; 12:e6843. [PMID: 32181080 PMCID: PMC7053689 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe and quantify acts of violence depicted in a select number of superhero-based films, further stratified by protagonist/antagonist characters and gender. A total of 10 superhero-based films released in 2015-2016 were analyzed by five independent reviewers. The average number of acts of violence associated with protagonist and antagonist characters for all included films was 22.7 and 17.5 mean events per hour, respectively (p=0.019). The average number of acts of violence associated with male and female characters for all included films was 33.4 and 6.5 mean events per hour, respectively (p<0.001). The most common acts of violence for all major characters were “fighting”, “use of a lethal weapon”, “bullying/intimidation/torture”, “destruction of property”, and “murder” (14.9, 11.4, 3.5, 3.4, and 2.4 mean events per hour, respectively). Based on our sample of superhero-based films, acts of violence were associated more with protagonist characters and male characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Muller
- Emergency Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Annie Moroco
- Emergency Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Justin Loloi
- Internal Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
| | - Austin Portolese
- Emergency Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | | | - Tonya S King
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Robert Olympia
- Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
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8
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Akçay D, Emiroğlu ON. The Effect of Motivational Interviewing with Mothers on Media Interaction and Aggression Behaviours of Preschool-Aged Children. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2019; 43:217-232. [PMID: 31424967 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2019.1651788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates the effect of motivational interviewing with mothers on media interaction and aggression of preschool-aged children. This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental/pre-experimental research in order to evaluate the effect of motivational interviewing with mothers on media interaction and aggression of preschool-aged children. The motivational interviews conducted with the mothers focused on the stages of change and were performed as two face-to-face sessions and two telephone call sessions. While the pre and post-intervention prosocial behavior sub-dimension scores of the children were shown to increase, the overt physical aggression and relational aggression sub-dimension scores were found to decrease. Motivational interviewing technique can be effective for mothers who need to increase control of their children and set limits on media interaction. Nurses in this field can apply the MI technique and help parents to develop behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Akçay
- Public Health Nursing, National Defense Department , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Oya Nuran Emiroğlu
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Hacettepe University , Ankara, Turkey
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9
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Soares S, Araújo J, Ramos E, Fraga S. Sleep duration and physical fighting involvement in late adolescence. J Public Health (Oxf) 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-018-0955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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10
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Padmanabhanunni A. An examination of the psychometric properties and dimensionality of the Aggression-Problem Behavior Frequency Scale in a sample of Black South African adolescents. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0081246318824517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Advancing research into aggressive behaviour in South Africa necessitates a range of suitable measuring instruments. The Aggression-Problem Behavior Frequency Scale is one such instrument that has been extensively used in diverse settings. The authors of the Aggression-Problem Behavior Frequency Scale present it as a multidimensional scale that purports to measure physical, non-physical, and relational aggression. Despite the widespread use of the scale as a three-factor scale, the psychometric properties, specifically the factor structure of the instrument, have not been examined either globally or in South Africa. This article reports on the reliability, factor structure, and dimensionality of the Aggression-Problem Behavior Frequency Scale among a sample of Black South African adolescents. The scale demonstrated a high level of reliability both in terms of coefficient alpha and coefficient omega. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a second-order factor model and a bifactor model demonstrated a better fit than a one-factor model. Despite the superiority of fit of the two models, bifactor indices demonstrated that the Aggression-Problem Behavior Frequency Scale is essentially unidimensional. First, Omega Hierarchical Subscale indicated a significant reduction in the reliability of the subscales after partitioning out the variance attributable to the general factor (total aggression). Second, the percentage of common variance explained by the total scale was 75% with only 25% attributable to the three subscales. While the findings of the study tentatively confirmed the suitability of the Aggression-Problem Behavior Frequency Scale for use in South Africa, the results indicate that there is no empirical basis for the use of subscale scores and that the Aggression-Problem Behavior Frequency Scale is essentially unidimensional.
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Martin K, Porritt K, Aromataris E. Effectiveness of interventions to control screen use and children's sleep, cognitive and behavioral outcomes: a systematic review protocol. JBI DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND IMPLEMENTATION REPORTS 2018; 16:1338-1345. [PMID: 29894401 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-2017-003522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
REVIEW QUESTIONS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Martin
- Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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12
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Gonzalez-Nahm S, Grossman ER, Frost N, Babcock C, Benjamin-Neelon SE. Media and Young Minds: Comparing State Screen Media Use Regulations for Children Under 24 Months of Age in Early Care and Education to a National Standard. Matern Child Health J 2018; 22:445-453. [PMID: 29427016 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Excessive screen media use has been associated with a number of negative health outcomes in young children, including increased risk for obesity and comparatively lagging cognitive development. The purpose of this study was to assess state licensing regulations restricting screen media use for children under 24 months old in early care and education (ECE) and to compare regulations to a national standard. Methods We reviewed screen media use regulations for all US states for child care centers ("centers") and family child care homes ("homes") and compared these regulations to a national standard discouraging screen media use in children under 24 months of age. We assessed associations between state geographic region and year of last update with the presence of regulations consistent with the standard. In centers, 24 states had regulations limiting screen media use for children under 24 months of age and 19 states had regulations limiting screen media use in homes. Results More states in the South and fewer states in the Midwest had regulations limiting screen media use. The association between geographic region and regulations was not significant for centers (p = 0.06), but was for homes (p = 0.04). The year of last update (within the past 5 years versus older than 5 years) was not associated with regulations for centers (p = 0.18) or homes (p = 0.90). Discussion Many states lacked screen media use regulations for ECE. States should consider adding screen media use restrictions for children under 24 months based on current research data and current recommendations in future regulations updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gonzalez-Nahm
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Elyse R Grossman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Natasha Frost
- Public Health Law Center, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, St Paul, MN, 55105, USA
| | - Carly Babcock
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sara E Benjamin-Neelon
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Vidaña-Pérez D, Braverman-Bronstein A, Basto-Abreu A, Barrientos-Gutierrez I, Hilscher R, Barrientos-Gutierrez T. Sexual content in video games: an analysis of the Entertainment Software Rating Board classification from 1994 to 2013. Sex Health 2018; 15:209-213. [PMID: 29321095 DOI: 10.1071/sh17017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Video games are widely used by children and adolescents and have become a significant source of exposure to sexual content. Despite evidence of the important role of media in the development of sexual attitudes and behaviours, little attention has been paid to monitor sexual content in video games. METHODS Data was obtained about sexual content and rating for 23722 video games from 1994 to 2013 from the Entertainment Software Rating Board database; release dates and information on the top 100 selling video games was also obtained. A yearly prevalence of sexual content according to rating categories was calculated. Trends and comparisons were estimated using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS Sexual content was present in 13% of the video games. Games rated 'Mature' had the highest prevalence of sexual content (34.5%) followed by 'Teen' (30.7%) and 'E10+' (21.3%). Over time, sexual content decreased in the 'Everyone' category, 'E10+' maintained a low prevalence and 'Teen' and 'Mature' showed a marked increase. Both top and non-top video games showed constant increases, with top selling video games having 10.1% more sexual content across the period of study. CONCLUSION Over the last 20 years, the prevalence of sexual content has increased in video games with a 'Teen' or 'Mature' rating. Further studies are needed to quantify the potential association between sexual content in video games and sexual behaviour in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dèsirée Vidaña-Pérez
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico. Avenuenida Universidad 655, col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico
| | - Ariela Braverman-Bronstein
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico. Avenuenida Universidad 655, col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico
| | - Ana Basto-Abreu
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico. Avenuenida Universidad 655, col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico
| | - Inti Barrientos-Gutierrez
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico. Avenuenida Universidad 655, col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico
| | - Rainer Hilscher
- Center for DataScience, RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Tonatiuh Barrientos-Gutierrez
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico. Avenuenida Universidad 655, col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62100, Mexico
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[The Influence of Media Consumption During Early Childhood on Media Use and Psychological Disorders in Adolescence]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2017; 66:558-575. [PMID: 28974188 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2017.66.8.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Influence of Media Consumption During Early Childhood on Media Use and Psychological Disorders in Adolescence There are many studies that suggest that there is a link between high media consumption and psychological, physiological and social disorders. Nevertheless, there are also inconsistent results, methodical limitations and a lack of longitudinal studies. The present study analyses habits of media consumption in children and adolescents, the influence of different early childhood risk factors on the use of the media in adolescence and the links between early childhood media consumption and disorders in adolescence. The source of the data is the longitudinal project Future Family III. 249 families participated in the last data collection in the adolescence. Adolescents use the media more than five hours per day on average, nearly fifty percent of these adolescents can be considered as internet addicted and a majority consumes violent contents. A low socioeconomic status, low socio-emotional competences and low intelligence of the child as well as unfavorable educational style and psychological stress of the mother are risk factors for the media use in adolescence. Adolescents with a migration background have an increased risk of internet and computer game dependency. On the other hand, the overall utilization of media in the early childhood has only a low predictive power. The results indicate that these connections seem to be more complex than assumed. There is a need for more longitudinal studies in order to get a better understanding of the consequences of media consumption.
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15
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Bender PK, Plante C, Gentile DA. The effects of violent media content on aggression. Curr Opin Psychol 2017; 19:104-108. [PMID: 29279205 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research have shown that violent media exposure is one risk factor for aggression. This review presents findings from recent cross-sectional, experimental, and longitudinal studies, demonstrating the triangulation of evidence within the field. Importantly, this review also illustrates how media violence research has started to move away from merely establishing the existence of media effects and instead has begun to investigate the mechanisms underlying these effects and their limitations. Such studies range from investigations into cross-cultural differences to neurophysiological effects, and the interplay between media, individual, and contextual factors. Although violent media effects have been well-established for some time, they are not monolithic, and recent findings continue to shed light on the nuances and complexities of such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K Bender
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353 Copenhagen C, Denmark.
| | - Courtney Plante
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, 112 Lagomarcino Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Douglas A Gentile
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, 112 Lagomarcino Hall, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Gabrielli J, Traore A, Stoolmiller M, Bergamini E, Sargent JD. Industry Television Ratings for Violence, Sex, and Substance Use. Pediatrics 2016; 138:peds.2016-0487. [PMID: 27550985 PMCID: PMC5005023 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether the industry-run television (TV) Parental Guidelines discriminate on violence, sexual behavior, alcohol use, and smoking in TV shows, to assess their usefulness for parents. METHODS Seventeen TV shows (323 episodes and 9214 episode minutes) across several TV show rating categories (TVY7, TVPG, TV14, and TVMA) were evaluated. We content-coded the episodes, recording seconds of each risk behavior, and we rated the salience of violence in each one. Multilevel models were used to test for associations between TV rating categories and prevalence of risk behaviors across and within episodes or salience of violence. RESULTS Every show had at least 1 risk behavior. Violence was pervasive, occurring in 70% of episodes overall and for 2.3 seconds per episode minute. Alcohol was also common (58% of shows, 2.3 seconds per minute), followed by sex (53% of episodes, 0.26 seconds per minute), and smoking (31% of shows, 0.54 seconds per minute). TV Parental Guidelines did not discriminate prevalence estimates of TV episode violence. Although TV-Y7 shows had significantly less substance use, other categories were poor at discriminating substance use, which was as common in TV-14 as TV-MA shows. Sex and gory violence were the only behaviors demonstrating a graded increase in prevalence and salience for older-child rating categories. CONCLUSIONS TV Parental Guidelines ratings were ineffective in discriminating shows for 3 out of 4 behaviors studied. Even in shows rated for children as young as 7 years, violence was prevalent, prominent, and salient. TV ratings were most effective for identification of sexual behavior and gory violence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mike Stoolmiller
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | | | - James D. Sargent
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, and,Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire; and
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Basch CH, Guerra LA, Reeves R, Basch CE. Advertising Violent Toys in Weekly Circulars of Popular Retailers in the United States. Health Promot Perspect 2015; 5:191-7. [PMID: 26634197 PMCID: PMC4667259 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2015.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Violence is a pervasive problem in the United States. Toys, far from trivial playthings, are a reflection of society, including its beliefs and values. The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which violent toys are marketed in online weekly flyers of popular retailers, how the violence is manifested, and whether violent toys are marketed differentially to boys and girls.
Methods: For this cross-sectional observational study, online circulars from 5 major retailers were downloaded and examined each week for 14 weeks during the fall of 2014. For each retailer, the total number of toys, as well as the total number of violent and non-violent toys, was recorded. In addition, each violent toy was categorized into one of five groups: picturing a figure with a weapon, a figure with intent to strike (with fists drawn or an angry face), a toy with a violent name, a toy that was a weapon itself, or a set of toys that included two or more of these criteria.
Results: A total number of 3,459 toys were observed, of which 1,053 (30%) were deemed violent. Of the violent toys, 95% were marketed to boys (n=1,003) versus 5% to girls (n=50). The most prevalent violent category was a figure with a weapon such as a sword, knife or gun (29%), followed by figures with fists out and aggressive faces (26%). Conclusion: Parents should be mindful of toy retailer‟s marketing of violent toys, especially toward boys, and the potential for those toys to de-sensitize their children to violence
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey H Basch
- Professor, Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
| | - Laura A Guerra
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rachel Reeves
- Professor, Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470, USA
| | - Charles E Basch
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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