title: Psychosocial Links Between Internet Use and Mental Health in Later Life: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence.
abstract: Research on the role of information and communication technology (ICT) use for active aging is limited. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the link between Internet use and mental health among older adults. The review was conducted based on searches in 9 electronic databases (2002-2014). A meta-synthesis approach was applied, examining quantitative (18) and qualitative (14) studies. The findings from the synthesis of quantitative statistical data indicate an overall positive association between Internet use and mental health and its psychosocial covariates in later life. The psychosocial links between Internet use and mental health identified from the qualitative data were (a) enhanced interpersonal interaction at individual level, (b) increased access to resources within the community, and (c) empowered social inclusion at society level. The results highlight the multi-level psychosocial links between Internet use and mental health, which may be applied in initiatives targeting healthy aging in various settings.
authors.affiliation: 1 Åbo Akademi University, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Study Programme in Social Sciences, Developmental Psychology, Vaasa, Finland.
authors.forename: Anna K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Forsman
authors.affiliation: 1 Åbo Akademi University, Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Study Programme in Social Sciences, Developmental Psychology, Vaasa, Finland.|2 National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Mental Health Promotion Unit, Vaasa, Finland.
authors.forename: Johanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nordmyr
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008603:Mental Health; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: Internet usage; mental health; older adults; psychosocial factors; systematic review