Abstract
This master’s thesis investigates the influence of violent video games on human physiology. In particular on the change in cortisol and 𝛼-amylase in saliva. For this purpose,a quantitative study was conducted with 39 participants aged between 19 and 61. The
participants were first asked to complete a questionnaire. Then their blood pressure and
pulse were measured for the first time and the first saliva sample was taken. The participants were then allowed to either play a violent video game, play a peaceful video game
or watch a video of the violent video game. After playing or watching, blood pressure and
pulse were measured again and a second saliva sample was taken. A questionnaire was
then presented again for completion. After waiting a total of 15 minutes after the end
of the video game or video, blood pressure and pulse were measured again and a third
saliva sample was taken. For each aspect, a repeated measures ANOVA was performed.
The ANOVA revealed no significant differences between the time points or between the
conditions for cortisol levels, 𝛼-amylase, verbal aggression and hostility. However, there
was a significant difference in the time points for physical aggression (F(1,36) = 8.052;
p = 0.007; n2
𝐺 = 0.009) and anger (F(1,36) = 8.68; p = 0.006; n2
𝐺 = 0.009), with
levels rising across all groups. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference between
the conditions. This may be due to the small sample size. Additionally, it is possible
that the violent video game was not violent enough and, therefore, not exciting enough.
After all, the participants did not feel more stressed after playing than they did before.
| Date of Award | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | German (Austria) |
| Supervisor | Gerald Lirk (Supervisor) |