A study to examine the relationship between video game violence, moral disengagement, trait competitiveness, and trait aggression in young adults in the UK

Introduction: Within context societal moral indignation and panic expressed in response to recent increases in urban violence and death amongst young adults in the UK, some researchers are asking whether exposure to video game violence (EVGV) might be a contributing factor. Methods: Using a correlational design, and web-based survey methods to collect data, the author examined the relationship between violent video games, moral disengagement, competitiveness, and trait aggression. Results: Commensurate with other studies, a small significant positive correlation was found between exposure to video game violence (EVGV) and reported trait aggression. Multiple regression revealed that EVGV explained an additional 4.5% of the reported trait aggression after controlling for age, sex, average violent video game difficulty, average violent video game pace of action, moral disengagement, and trait competitiveness. Conclusion: Moral disengagement might better explain trait aggression in young people exposed to video game violence in the UK, but violent video games along with other risk factors can act as potential primers for aggressive behaviours and cognition. Implications for public and mental health are discussed.