Citation

Tafalla RJ. J. Appl. Soc. Psychol. 2007; 37(9): 2008-2023.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1559-1816.2007.00248.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the gender-specific cardiovascular and performance responses to playing the violent video game “DOOM” with and without the soundtrack. Men and women equally rated the game as more violent with the soundtrack. Men performed the game about twice as well with the soundtrack. Women's performance did not change at all. Only men's heart rates were significantly greater with the soundtrack, indicative of arousal. Only women's systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly greater with the soundtrack, indicative of stress. The game seemed to appeal more to men than to women. Moreover, women may possibly avoid violent video games, in part because they represent an undesirable stressor.