Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence and Their Relationship with Positive Youth Development Among Spanish Undergraduates

It is important to understand young people’s attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) in order to ensure responsible use. Positive Youth Development (PYD) has been identified as a protective factor against risks related to digital technologies. Further research is needed concerning attitudes toward AI from a strengths-based perspective. This study aimed to examine these attitudes and their relationships with the 5Cs of the PYD model among undergraduates. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025. A sample of 407 university students (63.1% women, Mage = 21.93), enrolled at 10 universities in the region of Andalusia (Spain) completed the PYD-SF and the AIAS-4 measures. The students in Science, Engineering, and Architecture degrees showed the most positive attitude scores, whereas those in Arts and Humanities scored the lowest. The hypothesized positive association between the 5Cs and attitudes toward AI was partially supported. Competence and Confidence were positively associated with these attitudes, while Character showed an inverse relationship, suggesting that students with higher moral awareness may remain particularly vigilant about ethical risks and social inequalities. Ultimately, it is crucial to utilize these psychological resources to foster proactive youth leadership that can navigate and shape ethical practices in an increasingly digital world.