A Longitudinal Study of Risk-Glorifying Video Games and Reckless Driving

A multiwave longitudinal study investigated the association of playing mature-rated and risk-glorifying video games and risky driving among adolescents. The study involved a large random digit dial telephone survey. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and included auto-regressive lags for the major outcome variables. Consistent with predictions, playing the targeted games was associated with increased reports of a variety of risky driving habits (e.g., speeding, tailgating, weaving in traffic), being pulled over by the police, automobile accidents, and willingness to drink and drive. These effects were observed after controlling for a variety of demographic and parenting variables. Finally, the effects of these games were shown to be mediated by increases in sensation seeking and rebelliousness. The results support a view of video games as affecting real-world behavior by altering a sense of self.

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