Risk-Glorifying Video Games Increase Deviant Behaviors in Some Teens

Previous studies have examined the dangers of violent video games. Findings have shown that playing too much can increase the risk of certain aggressive behaviors.

Now, a recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that teenagers who play mature-rated, risk-glorifying video games are more likely to engage in a wide range of deviant behaviors, ranging from alcohol use, delinquency, smoking and risky sexual activity.

Dartmouth researchers found that this was especially true for teens who played games with anti-social, protagonistic characters. This made many of the adolescents relate to the characters more, according to researchers.

"Up to now, studies of video games have focused primarily on their effects on aggression and violent behaviors," said Professor James Sargent , a pediatrician and co-author, in a news release. "This study is important because it is the first to suggest that possible effects of violent video games go well beyond violence to apply to substance use, risky driving and risk-taking sexual behavior. "

For the study, researchers conducted longitudinal nationwide research that involved over 5,000 U.S. teenagers. All participants were required to answer a series of questions over a four-year period via telephone interviews.

Researchers looked for certain factors, including the playing of three violent risk-glorifying video games (Grand Theft Auto, Manhunt, Spiderman) and other mature-rated video games.

Findings revealed that such games were often associated with subsequent changes in a wide range of high-risk behaviors and suggest that this may be due to changes in the users' personality, attitudes and values that could increase more rebellious and thrill-seeking tendencies.