Research Psychologie, Orientation et Conseil

Cognitive Development in the Digital Age: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Wijaya Wijaya, Rashid Rahman, Aiman Fariq — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The pervasive integration of digital technologies into adolescents’ lives has fundamentally altered their developmental environments. While the cognitive impact of this “digital age” is widely debated, research often overlooks how these effects are moderated by cultural context, which shapes how technology is adopted and utilized. This study aimed to conduct a cross-cultural comparison of the relationship between specific patterns of digital technology engagement and key cognitive functions, including attention, working memory, and problem-solving skills, among adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 adolescents (aged 14-16) from the United States (n=200) and South Korea (n=200). Participants completed standardized cognitive tests and a Digital Usage Questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the interaction between culture and technology use on cognitive performance. A significant interaction effect emerged. In the U.S. sample, higher social media use correlated with weaker sustained attention. In the South Korean sample, high engagement in collaborative online gaming was positively associated with enhanced problem-solving skills and working memory. The cognitive correlates of technology use differed significantly across cultures. The cognitive impact of the digital age is not universal but is profoundly shaped by cultural values that guide technology engagement.

The Impact of Growth Mindset Interventions on Student Achievement

Pong Krit, Ming Pong, Vicheka Rith, Suyitno Suyitno — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

A student’s underlying beliefs about intelligence—whether it is a fixed trait or can be developed (a “mindset”)—is a powerful predictor of academic resilience and achievement. Fostering a growth mindset, the belief that intelligence is malleable, has been identified as a critical target for educational interventions aimed at improving student success. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the impact of a targeted, school-based growth mindset intervention on the academic achievement and perseverance of middle school students in a challenging subject. A quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test study was conducted with 250 8th-grade students. The intervention group (n=125) participated in six workshops focused on neuroplasticity and growth mindset principles. The control group (n=125) received standard study skills training. Academic achievement was measured by mathematics grades and standardized test scores. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their mathematics grades (p < .01) and reported higher levels of academic perseverance compared to the control group. The control group showed no significant change in either measure over the same period. Targeted, low-cost growth mindset interventions are an effective strategy for improving student academic achievement. Fostering the belief that intellectual abilities can be developed through effort is a powerful pedagogical tool for enhancing student success and resilience.

The Impact of Social Media on Social Comparison and Self-Esteem

Atika Widya Utama, Felipe Souza, Bruna Costa — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The ubiquitous presence of social media platforms has created an environment where individuals are constantly exposed to curated, idealized self-presentations. This environment is thought to intensify the natural human tendency for social comparison, which has significant implications for psychological well-being, particularly self-esteem. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intensity of social media use, the tendency for social comparison, and levels of self-esteem among young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 350 university students (aged 18-24). Participants completed validated instruments, including the Social Media Intensity Scale, the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed to test the hypothesized relationships. A significant positive correlation was found between the intensity of social media use and social comparison orientation (r = .45, p < .001). In turn, social comparison orientation was significantly negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = -.52, p < .001). Mediation analysis confirmed that social comparison significantly mediated the relationship between social media intensity and lower self-esteem. Intensive engagement with social media is strongly associated with a greater tendency for social comparison, which in turn predicts lower self-esteem. These findings highlight social comparison as a key psychological mechanism through which social media use may negatively impact mental health.

The Impact of Prosocial Behavior on Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Safiullah Khan, Razia Khan, Ethan Tan, Zahrotul Uyun — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Prosocial behavior—voluntary actions intended to benefit others—is a cornerstone of functional societies. While its benefits for the recipient are clear, a growing body of research in positive psychology suggests that engaging in altruistic acts may also be a powerful and often overlooked pathway to enhancing the actor’s own psychological well-being and overall life satisfaction. This study aimed to empirically investigate the relationship between the frequency of engaging in prosocial behavior and self-reported levels of psychological well-being and life satisfaction in a diverse adult population, and to determine if this relationship holds after controlling for key demographic variables. A cross-sectional survey design was employed with a sample of 450 adults (aged 25-65). Participants completed a battery of validated instruments, including the Prosocialness Scale, the PERMA Well-being Profiler, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A strong, positive correlation was found between prosocial behavior and both well-being (r = .51, p < .001) and life satisfaction (r = .48, p < .001). The regression analysis revealed that prosocial behavior remained a significant and unique predictor of both outcomes even after controlling for all demographic variables. It accounted for a substantial portion of the variance in both well-being and life satisfaction scores. Engaging in prosocial behavior is a robust and significant predictor of higher psychological well-being and greater life satisfaction. The findings suggest that altruistic actions are not merely a consequence of happiness but are an active ingredient in creating a fulfilling life.