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Examining the relations among parent-child closeness, exposure to violence in video games and aggression among youths
Author
Chan, Bernadette Kailing
Supervisor
Liau, Albert
Abstract
This study aimed to understand the role of the parent – child relationship in mitigating the effects of exposure to violence in video games. 2, 919 students from 6 primary and 6 secondary schools were surveyed on the amount of violent content they were exposed to, their perceptions of closeness with their parents and their levels of aggressive cognitions and behaviours. Significant positive correlations between exposure to violence in games and aggressive cognitions and behaviours were found. Significant negative correlations were found between exposure to violence and parent – child closeness, and between parent – child closeness and aggressive cognitions and behaviours. Moderation analyses showed that parent – child closeness was a weak moderator only of the relationship between exposure to violence and normative beliefs of aggression. Subsequent analyses suggested that parent – child closeness acts to compensate for the ill effects of contact with violence in games, and that parent – child closeness was a significant predictor of lower levels of aggressive cognitions and behaviours. Results support the critical role that parents play in protecting their children from the adverse effects of exposure to violence in games.
Date Issued
2015
Call Number
BF723.P25 Cha
Date Submitted
2015