Research article summary (published 11 Jul 2009):

The racing-game effect: why do video racing games increase risk-taking inclinations?

Full Abstract

The present studies investigated why video racing games increase players' risk-taking inclinations. Four studies reveal that playing video racing games increases risk taking in a subsequent simulated road traffic situation, as well as risk-promoting cognitions and emotions, blood pressure, sensation seeking, and attitudes toward reckless driving. Study 1 ruled out the role of experimental demand in creating such effects. Studies 2 and 3 showed that the effect of playing video racing games on risk taking was partially mediated by changes in self-perceptions as a reckless driver. These effects were evident only when the individual played racing games that reward traffic violations rather than racing games that do not reward traffic violations (Study 3) and when the individual was an active player of such games rather than a passive observer (Study 4). In sum, the results underline the potential negative impact of racing games on traffic safety.

Author information

Author/s: Fischer, Peter (P); Greitemeyer, Tobias (T); Morton, Thomas (T); Kastenmüller, Andreas (A); Postmes, Tom (T); Frey, Dieter (D); Kubitzki, Jörg (J); Odenwälder, Jörg (J);

Affiliation: University of Exeter. peter.fischer(-atsign-)uni-graz.at

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Personality and social psychology bulletin (Pers Soc Psychol Bull), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 35 (issue 10) : pp 1395-409

Dates: Created 2009/09/04; Completed 2009/10/19;

PMID: 19596767, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/19/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Accidents, Traffic - psychology Adult Arousal Automobile Driving - psychology Computer Simulation Culture Female Generalization, Response Humans

Imitative Behavior Male Middle Aged Motivation Risk-Taking Self Concept Social Conformity Video Games Young Adult

Related articles

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

• Interoceptive exposure therapy combined with trauma-related exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: a case report. 30 Dec 2004
• Medical resident driving simulator performance following a night on call. 30 Dec 2005
• Psychomotor disturbance in depression: assessment using a driving simulator paradigm. 5 Mar 2006
• The role of personality characteristics in young adult driving. 29 Nov 2006
• Sensation seeking and risky driving: a review and synthesis of the literature. 30 Aug 1997
• Adolescent risk-takers: a trauma center study of suicide attempters and drivers. 30 Dec 1990
• Time of day variations in driving performance. 29 Jun 1997
• Collision warning timing, driver distraction, and driver response to imminent rear-end collisions in a high-fidelity driving simulator. 30 Dec 2001
• Individual difference factors in risky driving: the roles of anger/hostility, conscientiousness, and sensation-seeking. 7 Mar 2006
• The five-factor model and driving behavior: personality and involvement in vehicular accidents. 30 Mar 2000

See 100+ related articles.

Related Article Map

Legend: - FREE Full text Article. - Abstract only. - Title only. More help.

See a large map of 100+ related articles.