A Meta-Analysis on the Longitudinal, Age-Dependent Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression

A large body of research exists on the causal relationship between violent video game (VVG) consumption and aggression. However, no meta-analytic studies to date have specifically examined the influence of age on these effects. We investigated the age-dependent relationship between VVG consumption and subsequent physically aggressive behavior in a meta-analytic procedure based on longitudinal studies. Further exploratory analyses addressed the moderating effect of the year of data collection. A random-effects meta-analysis with 30 effect sizes from 21 studies (N = 15,836) yielded a significant and relevant positive effect of VVG on subsequent physically aggressive behavior (r = .21). The effect was reduced but maintained at r = .11 when controlling for aggression at T1. Polynomial regression showed a significant U-shaped age trajectory with a peak in early adolescence at the age of 14. Year of data collection did not correlate with the effect size. Consequently, we confirm the results of other meta-analyses, with the added finding of a peak of effect sizes in early adolescence. The empirical finding provide support for basing age ratings for game publication on potential adverse behavioral effects.

Automated summary

Research shows that consumption of violent video games can affect subsequent physically aggressive behavior in adolescents, with the greatest effect around the age of 14. The year of data collection does not appear to have an impact on the results.