Relations Between Violent Video Game Experiences and Prosocial Behavior

Abstract

Abstract: Studies have shown that playing violent video games is negatively related to the occurrence of prosocial behavior, but the underlying physiological mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the mediating role of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reduction in the relations between violent video game experiences and prosocial behavior among 155 Chinese undergraduate students (59.35% male, Mage = 18.62 years). Violent video game experiences (i.e., comprehensive evaluation of the violence, bloodiness, and individual duration of playing) and prosocial behavior (i.e., willingness to help and helping time) were both measured by self-report. Physiological data (i.e., electrocardiography) were collected across three laboratory stages: baseline, task, and recovery. RSA reduction was calculated through these physiological data. Results indicated that: (1) violent video game experiences were negatively associated with prosocial behavior and RSA reduction; (2) RSA reduction mediated the relations between violent video game experiences and prosocial behavior. This finding suggested that RSA reduction might be an important physiological mechanism explaining the negative relations between violent video game experiences and prosocial behavior. This study will deepen people’s understanding of the influence of violent video games and provide a richer literature on the physiological mechanisms in the field.