THE EFFECT OF TYPE-A PERSONALITY ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AROUSAL WHILE PLAYING COMPUTER GAMES

Despite the widespread use of computer games, there is a lack of syste matic research in the area - particularly on their ''addictiveness'' p otential. Anecdotal evidence suggests that computer game addiction may be due to arousal properties of computer games, although other factor s may be important. This study examined the relationship between Type A personality and arousal in computer-game play. It was hypothesised t hat, during computer-game play, Type A and Type B subjects would have significantly higher heart rates as compared with baseline levels and that Type A subjects would experience a significantly greater increase in arousal when playing a computer game than Type B subjects. These h ypotheses were both supported and the results are discussed in relatio n to arousal, personality, and addiction.