The Relationship between Video Game Play and Trait Verbal Aggressiveness: An Application of the General Aggression Model

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-reported video game play and players' trait verbal aggressiveness within the framework provided by The General Aggression Model (GAM). Results indicate that frequency of video game play and players' trait verbal aggressiveness were positively correlated. Furthermore, video game play and player sex interacted to predict trait verbal aggressiveness such that men who played video games more frequently reported higher levels of trait verbal aggressiveness than did men who played video games less frequently and women.

Keywords:

• General Aggression Model
• Verbal Aggressiveness
• Video Games
• Violence

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca M. Chory

Rebecca M. Chory (Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2000) is an associate professor of Communication Studies at West Virginia University.

Vincent Cicchirillo

Vincent Cicchirillo (M.A., West Virginia University, 2004) is a doctoral student in the School of Communication at the Ohio State University.