Adaptation of Educational Psychology to Digital Transformation in Learning: A Literature Review

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed educational environments and created new challenges and opportunities for educational psychology. Although previous studies have examined specific aspects of digital learning, such as motivation, self-efficacy, digital literacy, and online engagement, existing evidence remains fragmented and lacks a comprehensive framework explaining how educational psychology adapts to digital transformation. Therefore, this study aims to analyze and synthesize contemporary literature concerning the adaptation of educational psychology to digitally mediated learning environments. This research employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) design. Relevant studies published between 2015 and 2026 were identified through academic databases using predefined search keywords related to educational psychology, digital transformation, digital learning, self-efficacy, motivation, and digital literacy. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and scholarly sources were selected for analysis. Data were synthesized using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, emerging themes, and conceptual relationships. The findings reveal that educational psychology has substantially evolved in response to digital transformation through six interconnected dimensions: cognitive adaptation, motivational adaptation, emotional adaptation, social adaptation, ethical and character adaptation, and instructional adaptation. Furthermore, self-efficacy, self-regulated learning, digital literacy, emotional well-being, and teacher efficacy emerged as key determinants of learning effectiveness in digital environments. This study proposes an integrated conceptual framework that positions psychological adaptation as the central mechanism linking digital transformation and learning outcomes. The framework contributes to the advancement of educational psychology theory and provides practical insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers seeking to create effective, inclusive, and sustainable digital learning ecosystems.