Differential effects of exposure to cooperative versus competitive games on sharing behavior in young children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous research has documented a relationship between prosocial video games and prosocial behaviors. However, there has been much less evidence on the potential effects of real-life prosocial games. Theoretically, games in which characters cooperate and help each other in nonviolent ways should increase prosocial behavior.

Objective

In this study, we experimentally evaluated the effects of competitive and cooperative games on sharing behavior.

Methods

The study sample were 120 children (M _age = 4.73 years, SD = 0.49) from two kindergartens in China. Participants were randomly assigned to play the same game for 15 minutes in either a cooperative or competitive setting. Then their sharing behaviors were measured. A 2(Setting) × 2 (G

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12268353 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature