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 systematic research in the area - particularly on their ''addictiveness'' potential. Anecdotal evidence suggests that computer game addiction may be due to arousal properties of computer games, although other factors may be important. This study examined the relationship between Type A personality and arousal in computer-game play. It was hypothesised that, 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 hypotheses were both supported and the results are discussed in relation to arousal, personality, and addiction.