Media and Stress in Adolescent Boys in Germany

Psychophysiological effects of violent and nonviolent television programs and video games

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21190814
AutoresAsja Maass, Arnold Lohaus (0000-0002-7813-0791), Oliver T Wolf (0000-0002-9320-2124)
Año2010
Volumen4
Número1
Páginas18-38
Fecha de publicación2010-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Children and Media (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1748-2798 • E-ISSN: 1748-2801
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17482790903407259
OpenAlexW1519951940
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas55

The study is on the effects of entertainment media on physiological and psychological indicators of stress. The concept of stress is considered to play a key role in the explanation of the effects of media use on aggression, academic performance, and health. Two types of media (television and video games) and violent versus nonviolent content were compared. Differential effects on physiological measures (heart rate [HR], heart rate variability [HRV], cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase [sAA]) and subjective experience were expected. Study participants consisted of 98 boys, aged 11 to 14. Physiological stress reactions were higher for video games than for television with regards to HR and HRV. Violent content had greater effects on physiological stress than nonviolent content, when measured in terms of sAA, cortisol, and HRV. Violent content, in general, was rated as being more stressful but also more enjoyable. The results underline that certain types of media use are associated with subjective and physiological indices of stress. Keywords: adolescent boysalpha-amylasecortisolheart rateheart rate variabilitystresstelevisionvideo gamesviolence Notes 1. The SAMS is a major component of the biological stress system. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are released by the adrenal medulla under SAMS activation and cause a series of physiological changes (e.g. increased sweating, faster pulse, repression of digestion) that represent an adaption to environmental stressors and invoke the "fight or flight" response. 2. The HPA is the other major component of the biological stress system. It controls the secretion of cortisol (released by the adrenal cortex), which reins in the activities of other bodily systems and helps the body prepare for subsequent stressors. 3. Alpha-amylase is a protein component of human saliva. Sympathetic stimulation (activated by norepinephrine) leads to higher levels of protein concentrations in saliva. The underlying processes responsible for stress-induced changes in alpha-amylase levels are not entirely clear yet. 4. An immunoassay is a biochemical test. It analyzes the concentration of a substance in bodily liquids (e.g. urine or serum) by utilizing the reaction of an antibody to its antigen

Adolescent development · Developmental psychology · Physical activity · Screen time · Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression · Child Development and Digital Technology · Early Childhood Education and Development · Medicine · Psychology