The Effects of Computer Games on the Mental Health of High School Students in Gorgan City

The present study aims to investigate the effect of computer games on the mental health of the high school students. This study was ex post facto. The statistical population included all high school students in Gorgan. Using Cochran formula, the sample was estimated 456 individuals. To select the sample, first, some schools were randomly selected as a cluster among the four districts of the secondary schools in Gorgan using cluster sampling and then the needed sample was randomly selected according to the population of any school (based on the student's gender and population). Data collection tools were the Standard General Health questionnaire GHQ28 in four dimensions of somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, depression level, and social dysfunction. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including independent t-test and one way ANOVA. The obtained results showed that computer games affect the student's somatic symptoms, but they dont affect the student's anxiety and insomnia, depression level, social dysfunction and in general, their mental health. Furthermore, in comparing the demographic variables, there was a significant difference between the female and male students with regard to their somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and mental health (overall); however, no significant difference was found based on their educational level.