Thirteenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

There is plenty of study offering evidence of the nexus between playing violent video games and violent behavior. However, no study has been found on the nexus of violent video games and self-harm. To investigate the relationship between playing online violent games and self-harm, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which data were collected from 241 PUBG players, aged 18-30, in District Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to assess the self-harm behavior of young PUBG users aged 18-30. The questionnaire assessed self-harm behavior such as a cut on any parts of the body, medicine overdose, biting, excess smoking or alcohol use, injury through hitting something, pulling out hair or eyebrows, scratching with nails, drinking harmful chemicals, and isolation from family and friends. Data were analyzed through SPSS using T-test and ANOVA statistics. It was found that ‘users’ daily play time, family awareness about users’ online game, mood of the game (classic, arcade, and arena), the type of map used by players (Erangel, Livik and Miramar), the mode in which players play the game (solo, duo or squad) were significantly associated with self-harm behavior. The use of servers (Europe, Middle East, or Asia) and the use of perspectives TTP or FPT (Third-person perspective or First Person Perspective) were found non-significantly associated with self-harm behavior. The study provides preliminary evidence of the association of playing PUBG with self-harm behavior of young persons and suggests further studies to find more evidence from different parts of the world.