[en] Although people typically avoid engaging in antisocial or taboo behaviors, such as cheating and stealing, they may succumb in order to maximize their personal benefit. Moreover, they may be frustrated when the chance to commit a taboo behavior is withdrawn. The present study tested whether the desire to commit a taboo behavior, and the frustration from being denied such an opportunity, increases attraction to violent video games. Playing violent games allegedly offers an outlet for aggression prompted by frustration. In two experiments, some participants had no chance to commit a taboo behavior (cheating in Experiment 1, stealing in Experiment 2), others had a chance to commit a taboo behavior, and others had a withdrawn chance to commit a taboo behavior. Those in the latter group were most attracted to violent video games. Withdrawing the chance for participants to commit a taboo behavior increased their frustration, which in turn increased their attraction to violent video games.
Disciplines :
Social, industrial & organizational psychology
Author, co-author :
Whitaker, Jodi L.; Ohio State University > School of Communication
Melzer, André ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education (FLSHASE) > Integrative Research Unit: Social and Individual Development (INSIDE)
Steffgen, Georges ; University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education (FLSHASE) > Integrative Research Unit: Social and Individual Development (INSIDE)
Bushman, Brad J.; Ohio State University > Department of Psychologie and School of Communication
Language :
English
Title :
The Allure of the Forbidden: Breaking Taboos, Frustration, and Attraction to Violent Video Games
Publication date :
2013
Journal title :
Psychological Science
ISSN :
1467-9280
Publisher :
Blackwell Publishing, Malden, United States - Massachusetts