A Longitudinal Examination of the Relationship Between Media Use and Self-Competence During Adolescence

Abstract

Abstract:The primary goal of this longitudinal study was to examine whether media use predicts adolescent self-competence and/or whether adolescent self-competence predicts media use. The sample included 1,031 10 th and 11 th grade boys and girls from the United States. The adolescents completed a self-report questionnaire in 2007 and 2008 to assess their media use (talking and texting on the phone, listening to music, e-mailing/IMing, playing video games, and working on the computer) and selfcompetence (social competence, scholastic competence, athletic competence, and perceived physical appearance). Path analysis results revealed that media use had a minimal effect on adolescent self-competence. In contrast, adolescent self-competence consistently predicted media use. Results from this study highlight the need to examine both directions of influence between adolescent media use and adjustment.

Video game play and anxiety during late adolescence: The moderating effects of gender and social context

“…Fewer studies have focused on positive effects that video game play may have on youth. However, recent research has indicated that playing video games is associated with positive self-competence and athletic competence, increased participation in sports, advanced cognitive skills, and more time spent with parents (Adachi & Willoughby, 2015; Añez et al, 2016; Costigan et al, 2013; Green & Bavelier, 2007; Hofferth & Moon, 2012; Ohannessian, 2016; Suchert et al, 2015). Of note, relatively few studies have focused on the link between playing video games and psychological adjustment during adolescence.…”