A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies on Youth Internet Behavior Using the Positive Youth Development...

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Digital Media Studies
• Developmental Science

Background:

• Positive youth development (PYD) is a strength-based framework for promoting positive youth outcomes.
• Understanding the link between PYD and adolescent internet behaviors is critical due to technology's prevalence.
• This study systematically reviews longitudinal research on PYD constructs and youth internet behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize findings from longitudinal studies on the association between positive youth development and internet behaviors.
• To identify how PYD-related variables influence youth engagement with digital technologies over time.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 10 longitudinal studies identified from 794 records.
• Adherence to PRISMA guidelines and methodological quality assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.
• Narrative synthesis approach to integrate findings on PYD and internet behaviors.

Main Results:

• High PYD attributes, developmental assets, and school assets negatively predict problematic internet behaviors (addiction, gaming disorder, cyberbullying victimization).
• Associations between PYD and internet behaviors are predominantly indirect, mediated or moderated by other factors.
• Protective effects of PYD are enhanced by positive mediators/moderators and weakened by adverse psychological states or risks.

Conclusions:

• PYD acts as a protective resource in digital contexts, operating through indirect and conditional pathways.
• Current literature overemphasizes negative internet outcomes, neglecting positive digital engagement.
• Future research needs improved PYD operationalization, theoretical integration, and cross-cultural longitudinal studies.