Developing Perceptions of Justice: A Systematic Literature Review on Just World Beliefs Across Adolescence

Only four studies followed adolescents' BJW longitudinally for over 1 year. These highlighted that adolescents had different starting points and trajectories depending on their context and opportunities. This review reveals a pattern that older adolescents typically have a lower General BJW. However, longitudinal studies reveal diverse individual trajectories that must be interpreted within each cultural and socioeconomic context. Most of the studies conceptualized BJW as a predictor, a lens through which to view reality. More longitudinal studies are needed to establish when BJW reflects reality or are socially constructed and culturally bound.