Psicologia Clínica
ISSN 0103-5665 ISSN 1980-5438
BROILO, Patricia Liebesny; TISSER, Luciana LISBOA, Carolina Saraiva de Macedo. Media multitasking behavior (MMT) in pre-adolescence: Integrative review and recommendations for future research. Psicol. clin. []. 2022, 34, 2, pp.333-354. ISSN 0103-5665. https://doi.org/10.33208/PC1980-5438v0034n02A06.
The facilitated access to information and communication technologies in everyday life promotes engaging in different activities simultaneously. This behavior is called media multitasking (MMT). In recent years there has been a significant increase in access to such technologies among children in the age group between childhood and adolescence. In order to understand the implications of this phenomenon to mental health and well-being, an integrative literature review was carried out, covering empirical studies published from January 2010 to January 2020 in scientific journals indexed to the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and ERIC databases. As a result, a convergence was identified in the understanding that MMT behavior can impact the development of constituent abilities of executive functions and social-emotional skills, interfering with cognitive and psychosocial functioning. The study revealed important research demands, particularly related to the possible associations between MMT and the characteristics of pre-adolescence. Furthermore, it led to the conclusion that this behavior constitutes a relevant variable to be considered in clinical practice, in interventions and psychoeducational efforts, as well as to ensure assertiveness in psychological and neuropsychological assessments, especially concerning the new generations.
: multitasking behavior; information and communication technologies; pre-adolescence.