According to PC World, a study conducted by Texas A&M International University has found that exposure to violent video games just might reduce real-world stress and depression.

The study subjected volunteers to stress, with some of those subjects allowed to play video games afterwards. The results determined that the group exposed to the video games reported less stress and depression. The results have led Texas A&M associate professor Christopher Ferguson to argue that violent video games just might combat real-world anger and depression.

The methodology is as follows: four groups of students were exposed to the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task, a scientifically proven cause of stress. Two of the four groups were then given a violent game to play; either Hitman: Blood Money or Call of Duty 2. One group was given Madden 2007, a non-violent American Football game. The final group was told they would not be given any games to play.

Ferguson concluded that those exposed to games showed fewer hostile and depressive characteristics, but he acknowledged that the results may differ with a larger and more diverse sample.

Pictured: Hitman: Blood Money