Computer games play activity and the real-world aggressive tendencies research peculiarities

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. The video games and aggression studies rarely pay attention to the received play experience reflection peculiarities. It is believed the solving in-game problems experience is transferred to the real-life activity without adaptation. It is reflected in the researches design specific construction. Objective. To determine the ratio of the variables characterizing the aggression, the video game session gameplay and the play activity related to it. To examine the possibilities of the study design construction that implies the "two-positioning" variable operationalization. Research design. The research consists of 3 stages: 2 waves with the aggressive tendencies identification methods as well as the experimental part implying the game session and completion of the "My character" method adapted version (A.A. Maksimov is the original author) and the semantic differential. The information collection of the objective aggression manifestations before and after the study by interviewing expert observers was planned. Participants. The pilot study involved 22 respondents studying at the Moscow State Secondary School No. 2054 (M = 15,6). 9 respondents were included in the experimental part of the study. Results. There is a low tendency to associate the chosen play tactics in the computer game with the avatar characteristics and with the respondents' own characteristics. It may indicate the presence of variability in the gameplay reconceptualization. Conclusions. The revealed tendencies indicate the expediency of considering the play experience processing specifics as a factor mediating the connection between the computer game gameplay and aggressive tendencies.

General Information

Keywords: aggression, video games, computer games, play activity, gameplay, play experience reflection, two-positioning during the playing game

Journal rubric: Methodological Problems of Legal Psychology

OpenAlex citations: 0

OpenAlex trends: Digital Games and Media, Psychology of Development and Education, Educational Games and Gamification

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Number of citations: 0

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Digital Games and Media

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Psychology of Development and Education

This cluster of papers explores various aspects of psychology in education, focusing on topics such as the Zone of Proximal Development, inclusive education, cultural-historical theory, educational environment, psychological well-being, teacher training, learning motivation, adolescent development, social cognition, and digital learning. The papers delve into the intersection of psychology and education to understand the developmental processes and challenges in educational settings.

Number of works: 77902  |  Total number of citations: 232078

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Educational Games and Gamification

This cluster of papers explores the use of gamification, game-based learning, and digital games to enhance education and learning outcomes. It covers topics such as motivation, student engagement, intrinsic motivation, and the impact of gamification on health. The research delves into the effectiveness of various game elements in educational contexts and their influence on learning and instructional design.

Number of works: 107579  |  Total number of citations: 798876

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Work details in OpenAlex

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026000001

Acknowledgements. The authors are grateful to N.V. Bogdanovich for the article content preparation recommendations.

Received 30.06.2025

Revised 02.07.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Ponomareva, E.S., Kachur, A.V. (2026). Computer games play activity and the real-world aggressive tendencies research peculiarities. Psychology and Law, 16(1), 33–50. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/psylaw.2026000001

© Ponomareva E.S., Kachur A.V., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Ekaterina S. Ponomareva, Lecturer, Faculty of Legal Psychology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1899-9807, e-mail: esp_st@mail.ru

Anastasiya V. Kachur, Teacher-Psychologist, Moscow State Secondary School No. 2054, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3048-1317, e-mail: nastya.kachur.01@bk.ru

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