Gaming Against Violence: An Exploratory Evaluation Through Mechanical Turk of the Efficacy of Persuasive Digital Games in Improving Unhealthy Relationship Attitudes

摘要

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a pervasive and complex public health problem. Despite its ubiquity - an estimated 40% of graduating college students in the US have been in an abusive relationship at least once [1] - and adverse effects on, among others, academic achievement and substance abuse, 16 million (of about 21 million) US students are educated in states lacking teen dating violence (TDV) education legislation [2]. This causes institutions that lack in-house expertise on this matter to acquire TDV prevention programs that do not adequately prevent violence perpetration or address bystander intervention [3]. It is therefore necessary to approach this issue in a way that does not rely on institutional education practices. Digital games are a novel method to confront the problem of TDV and since 2008 Jennifer Ann's Group (JAG) has produced videogames for this purpose through its "Gaming Against Violence" program [4]. This technology solution allows school systems to affordably and reliably meet student needs without specialized training, knowledge, or additional resources. It also allows adolescents seeking to assist themselves or their peers to utilize a medium that promotes private exploration of sensitive topics at the player's pace. The current study explores the influences teen dating violence games have on players and their effectiveness at overcoming those challenges which limit traditional interventions.