Examining the role of gaming addiction and perceived stress on aggressive behavior among young adults in Malaysia

Lee , Jeston Tze Xiang and Khor, Ming and Ooi , Phey Joo (2026) Examining the role of gaming addiction and perceived stress on aggressive behavior among young adults in Malaysia. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

This study examines the increasing prevalence of aggressive behavior among young adults in Malaysia, a growing concern due to its detrimental impacts on individual functioning, interpersonal relationships, and societal well-being. Grounded in the General Aggression Model (GAM), the study seeks to examine the effects of gaming addiction and perceived stress on aggressive behavior among young adults. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected from 218 Malaysian young adults (47.2% male, 52.8% female; M age = 21.61). Data were collected through both physical distribution on campus and online survey platforms (e.g., Instagram, Xiaohongshu), using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Standardised instruments included the Gaming Addiction Scale–7 (GAS-7), Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS-10), and Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire–Short Form (BPAQ-SF). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both gaming addiction (β = .523) and perceived stress (β = .349) significantly and positively predicted aggressive behavior, with gaming addiction emerging as the stronger predictor. Theoretically, the findings support the GAM, demonstrating that both gaming addiction and perceived stress contribute to aggression. The results further suggest that aggressive behavior may be more strongly influenced by gaming addiction, potentially due to its role in reinforcing habitual engagement in high-arousal and competitive online environments that may reduce impulse control and increase aggressive tendencies. Practically, the results offer important implications for young adults, educational institutions, and mental health practitioners by emphasising the need to promote responsible gaming habits and effective stress management strategies to reduce aggressive behavior among young adults.

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