DIGITAL COMBAT

WHAT VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES INFLUENCE FORGIVENESS, SELF-COMPASSION, AND MENTAL WELL-BEING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18316/rcd.v16i41.11453

Keywords:

Covid 19, forgiveness, mental well-being, self-compassion, violent digital game

Abstract

With the advent of the pandemic, reliance on screens, the internet, and the digital realm has intensified, impacting individuals in various ways. Initially beyond the comprehension of many, the pandemic soon manifested in a wide range of interests and behaviors. Notably, there has been a surge in social media usage and gaming interests. Violent digital games, which simultaneously excite and relax players, became more popular, eliciting feelings of ease, engagement, and a sense of inner freedom. While this sentiment has positively influenced mental well-being in virtual contexts, it has also had adverse effects on self-compassion and forgiveness. This study aims to investigate the relationship between individuals engaging in violent digital games and their levels of forgiveness, self-compassion, and mental well-being. The study involved a sample of 300 individuals aged 18 to 68 years. The results indicated that no significant connection emerged between the sub-dimension of forgiving others and self-judgment. However, a positive and significant relationship was observed among all other sub-dimensions and scales. The One-Way ANOVA analysis technique revealed differences in forgiveness, self-compassion, and mental well-being levels concerning participation in violent digital games. According to the analysis, individuals who play violent digital games exhibited greater forgiveness towards others and demonstrated enhanced self-compassion and understanding compared to non-players. These results underscore the impact of digital games on forgiveness, self-compassion, and mental well-being, highlighting the need for interventions aimed at promoting mental health and well-being.

Author Biographies

Hanife Akgül, Faculty of Education, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale 17100, Türkiye

Faculty of Education, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale 17100, Türkiye

Sibel Güven , Faculty of Education, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale 17100, Türkiye

Faculty of Education, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale 17100, Türkiye

Ahmet Zeki Güven , Faculty of Education, Department of Turkish Language Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Türkiye

Faculty of Education, Department of Turkish Language Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07070, Türkiye

Müyesser Ceylan , Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir 26470, Türkiye

Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir 26470, Türkiye

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2024-02-05

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