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The effects of violent video games among the incarcerated youths in Singapore
Author
Soh, William Tee Peng
Supervisor
Khoo, Angeline
Abstract
The present study, based on the General Aggression model, aims to examine positive relationships between violent game exposure and aggression, including violent offending, among incarcerated youths in Singapore. A total of 282 Reformative Trainees participated in the study (age ranged from 16 to 21 years old; M = 18.91 and SD = 1.19). They were administered a survey, which included established measures like Aggressive Questionnaire, Self-Report of Aggression and Social Behavior, Aggressive Fantasies and Normative Beliefs. Correlational and regression statistical analysis were conducted. Video game exposure was found to have significant relationships with aggressive behaviours and cognitions but not violent offending. An unexpected finding was the positive association between prosocial game exposure and aggression, r = ,898, pi.01. This could be attributed to delinquent social identity. In brief, the findings from this study may value-add to clinical work in prison, including offenders' assessment. It also calls for a closer monitoring of video game content and campaigns to encourage parents to be more vigilant in the games that their children play. Future research studies should continue the current research with more rigorous control and build in comparison groups (e.g. Boys' Home). New studies could examine whether delinquent social identity influences the relationships between violent game exposure and aggression among juvenile youths.
Date Issued
2009
Call Number
HQ784.V53 Soh
Date Submitted
2009