Abstract

Even though the General Aggression Model suggests that personality and situational variables can influence
aggression, it is not clear if the model can be applied to Eastern cultures. The present study examined the
mediating role of low self-control in the relationships between violent online gaming, Internet addiction, and
aggression. We conducted a cross-sectional study using online self-report questionnaires to assess violent online
game exposure, Internet addiction, low self-control, and aggression in 211 Chinese male students. We found that
the majority of the 10 most popular games reported by the participants were violent. There were positive
correlations between violent online game exposure, Internet addiction, low self-control, and aggression.
Aggression was not only directly predicted by violent online game exposure and Internet addiction, but also
mediated by low self-control. These findings support the development of educational programs and measures to
cultivate self-control in college students and reduce aggression engendered by playing violent online games.
Aggression and self-control, which is conducive to educational interventions, are related. The implications and
limitations of this study are discussed.

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