THE EFFECT OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION ON THE OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT AND CONDUCT DISORDERS AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE SOUTHERN TRIANGLE AREA OF OCCUPIED PALESTINE
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Date
2023-01-22
Authors
Alaa Anan Adnan Jaber
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Abstract
Video games are a form of recreational activity, that are commonly used today as an effective way to enjoy and pass time. However, with the increase in popularity, comes an increase in concern regarding mental health issues, caused by exposure to such games. The current study aims to investigate the effect of VGA, on both ODD and CD, among children and adolescents in the context of the southern triangle area of Occupied Palestine (1948), and the prevalence of VGA, ODD and CD in the area, as well as the effect of age and gender on each of VGA, ODD and CD.
A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational descriptive design was used to achieve the objectives of this study. The population of this study consisted of all children and adolescents from 9 to 15 years old, and from both genders who live in the Southern Triangle area of Occupied Palestine (1948). A total of (147) children and adolescents (46% males and 54% females) were selected using an available sampling technique, this method was followed due to social distance and preventive procedures during COVID-19 pandemic. All participants responded to an online questionnaire using a google form, measuring VGA, ODD, and CD. Conducting the appropriate tests to measure validity and reliability of the questionnaire, showed sufficient validity across all items and an excellent reliability.
The results showed that in the southern triangle area, VGA has a higher effect on ODD than CD, as there was a moderate positive linear relationship between VGA and ODD (β =.248, t = 4.17, p .01). On the other hand, there was a weak positive linear relationship between VGA and CD (β =.112, t = 3.14, p .01). Additionally, VGA (2.42 ± 1.00), ODD (1.27 ± 0.44) and CD (2.24 ± 0.76) were significantly under the hypothetical means, indicating that the levels of aforementioned disorders are low in the southern triangle area. Moreover, while all VGA, ODD and CD are more prevalent among males, VGA and CD have been observed to be more common among the youngest children, while ODD is more common among the oldest adolescents.
The results found connections between VGA and both ODD and CD, which indicated that in some cases ODD and CD can be attributed to the presence of VGA. In addition, the findings indicate that, although uncommon, the spread of video games in the southern triangle area can cause the emergence of video game addiction, resulting in the potential development of disruptive behaviors, such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.
As a recommendation to maintain the low levels of VGA, ODD and CD, a periodic monitoring system can be implemented in the area by parents and teachers to detect unhealthy behavior and reward good behavior. This way will positively reinforce desired behavior, while giving an opportunity to redirect problematic behavior into other healthier activities, helping children and adolescents in the process.
Keywords: Conduct Disorder; Occupied Palestine; Oppositional Defiant Disorder; Southern triangle area; Video Game Addiction