Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Aggression Predictors In Video Games: Is Catharsis To Blame?, Robert Craig Vaughn

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

The majority of research tends to focus on the effects of violent video games, and as a result the motivations to play games are understudied. This study used the uses and gratifications theory as a framework for investigating game player’s motivation to play video games for the purpose of catharsis. This study also proposed that in-game variables, such as level of difficulty and content of the video game, all be investigated to see the effects they have on the achievement of catharsis or the development of aggression through other mediating variables such as enjoyment, control, and frustration with the game. …