Aggression Replacement Training (ART) as an effective method of coping with aggression – results of an experimental study with junior high school computer gamers

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present research findings focused on exploring effective methods for coping with challenging situations experienced by gamers during gameplay. The identification of difficulties associated with the occurrence of antisocial behaviors in the form of electronic aggression (e.g., retarding, chat-based verbal abuse) aligns the conducted research with the positive concept of prevention- resilience. According to this concept, the development of an individual’s social competence determines their positive functioning in society. The study used the cognitive-behavioral method of Aggression Replacement Training, respecting its high effectiveness in other countries. Equipping gamers with social skills (e.g., dealing with accusations of cheating in games) appears to be an efficient method in supporting the development of their resilience. The experiment was conducted among junior high school computer gamers (N=48), selected from a pool of 114 individuals; and it explored the role of ART in students’ coping strategies during challenging situations.