Longitudinal and reciprocal relations of cyberbullying with depression, substance use, and problematic internet use among adolescents

An investigation of the relationship between cyberbullying, cybervictimization and depression symptoms: A cross sectional study among university students in Qatar

Background

Cyberbullying is a modern form of bullying that could be practiced electronically or on the internet. It is related to different mental health issues such as depression, which can affect both the cyberbully and the victim. Although a few studies have been conducted regarding the prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimization among the younger generation in Qatar, no studies have been conducted among young adults despite studies showing that they are also prone to cyberbullying.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence and the relationship between cyberbullying, cyber-victimization, and depression symptoms among Qatar University students. A self-administered close-ended electronic questionnaire was used to assess student’s cyberbullying/cyber-victimization behaviors and depression symptoms. The Revised Cyberbullying Inventory scale (RCBI-II) and Patient Health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were utilized to measure involvement in cyberbullying and depression symptoms, respectively. A total of 836 students participated in the study. Pearson Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were conducted to analyze the data.

Results

Results indicated the majority of students have been involved in cyberbullying as follows: 6.8% cyberbullies, 29.2% cybervictims, 35.8% cyberbully-victims, and 28.2% not involved in either. Approximately 50% of the students scored a ten or higher on the PHQ9 test indicating symptoms of depression. Moreover, significant associations were found between cyberbullying experiences and gender (p = 0.03), depression and gender (p = 0.046), and between cyberbullying experiences and depression (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that among Qatar University students, cyberbullying and cyber-victimization are prevalent behaviors that could be associated with the high reported rates of depression symptoms.

Predictors of Problematic Social Media Use in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescents in Luxembourg

Social media use has increased substantially over the past decades, especially among adolescents. A proportion of adolescents develop a pattern of problematic social media use (PSMU). Predictors of PSMU are insufficiently understood and researched. This study aims to investigate predictors of PSMU in a nationally representative sample of adolescents in Luxembourg. Data from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Luxembourg were used, in which 8687 students aged 11–18 years old participated. The data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. A range of sociodemographic, social support, well-being and media use predictors were added to the model in four blocks. The predictors in the final model explained 22.3% of the variance in PSMU. The block of sociodemographic predictors explained the lowest proportion of variance in PSMU compared with the other blocks. Age negatively predicted PSMU. Of the predictors related to social support, cyberbullying perpetration was the strongest predictor of PSMU. Perceived stress and psychosomatic complaints positively predicted PSMU. The intensity of electronic media communication and preference for online social interaction were stronger predictors of PSMU than the other predictors in the model. The results indicate that prevention efforts need to consider the diverse range of predictors related to PSMU.

Gene × environment interaction in major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multifactorial disorder, where multiple susceptibility genes interact with environmental factors, predisposing individuals to the development of the illness. In this article, we reviewed different gene × environment interaction (G×E) studies shifting from a candidate gene to a genome-wide approach. Among environmental factors, childhood adversities and stressful life events have been suggested to exert crucial impacts on MDD. Importantly, the diathesis-stress conceptualization of G×E has been challenged by the differential susceptibility theory. Finally, we summarized several limitations of G×E studies and suggested how future G×E studies might reveal complex interactions between genes and environments in MDD.

Cyber-victimisation and mental health in young people: a co-twin control study

BACKGROUND

The rise of social media use in young people has sparked concern about the impact of cyber-victimisation on mental health. Although cyber-victimisation is associated with mental health problems, it is not known whether such associations reflect genetic and environmental confounding.

METHODS

We used the co-twin control design to test the direct association between cyber-victimisation and multiple domains of mental health in young people. Participants were 7708 twins drawn from the Twins Early Development Study, a UK-based population cohort followed from birth to age 22.

RESULTS

Monozygotic twins exposed to greater levels of cyber-victimisation had more symptoms of internalising, externalising and psychotic disorders than their less victimised co-twins at age 22, even after accounting for face-to-face peer victimisation and prior mental health. However, effect sizes from the most stringent monozygotic co-twin control analyses were decreased by two thirds from associations at the individual level [pooled β across all mental health problems = 0.06 (95% CI 0.03-0.10) v. 0.17 (95% CI 0.15-0.19) in individual-level analyses].

CONCLUSIONS

Cyber-victimisation has a small direct association with multiple mental health problems in young people. However, a large part of the association between cyber-victimisation and mental health is due to pre-existing genetic and environmental vulnerabilities and co-occurring face-to-face victimisation. Therefore, preventative interventions should target cyber-victimisation in conjunction with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities and other forms of victimisation.

Cyberbullying victimization and depression among adolescents: A meta-analysis

Cyberbullying is a category of bullying that occurs in the digital realm/medium of electronic text. In this study, we used meta-analysis to explore the relation between cyberbullying victimization and depression. We investigated 57 empirical studies from 17 countries (74 effect sizes and 105, 440 participants). The results showed that there was a significant positive relation between cyberbullying victimization and depression (r = .291, 95% CI = [.246, .335]). Moreover, we found that gender, age and publication year significantly moderated the relation between cyberbullying victimization and depression.

Internet use and its impact on internalizing disorder symptoms and sleep in adolescents with an evening circadian preference

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study sought to examine the relationship between internet use, sleep, and internalizing disorder symptoms in adolescents with an evening circadian preference.

METHODS

One hundred seventy-two adolescents aged 10-18 years with an evening circadian preference completed a week of sleep diaries and questionnaires about internet use and internalizing disorder symptoms.

RESULTS

Adolescents reported internet use for 3.81 hours on weekdays and 5.44 hours on weekends, with > 90% having access to both a computer with internet and a personal cell phone. A majority of adolescents used the internet from 4-8 pm (71%) and from 9-11 pm (62%). Common online activities included listening to music (77%), watching videos (64%), communicating with others (64%), and doing homework (58%). Late-night internet use (9-11 pm) was associated with more internalizing disorder symptoms. Middle-of-the-night internet use (midnight-5 am) was associated with a later bedtime, shorter total sleep time, and more internalizing disorder symptoms. Adolescents used the internet to fulfill social needs, to avoid or combat boredom, or for maladaptive activities. Using the internet for social interaction or avoidance/boredom was associated with higher internalizing disorder symptoms. Using the internet for maladaptive reasons was associated with more late-night and middle-of-the-night use.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent internet use late at night and in the middle of the night is common. Internet use may be motivated by desires for social connection, by boredom/avoidance, or for maladaptive behaviors. Because middle-of-the-night internet use was associated with higher internalizing disorder symptoms and worse sleep, it presents as a potential target for intervention.

CITATION

Asarnow LD, Gasperetti CE, Gumport NB, Harvey AG. Internet use and its impact on internalizing disorder symptoms and sleep in adolescents with an evening circadian preference. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(10):2019-2027.

The Revised Version of the Committing and Experiencing Cyber-Violence Scale and Its Relation to Psychosocial Functioning and Online Behavioral Problems

Cyber-violence is the type of online risk behavior inclined to harm others. Development of new forms of cyber-violent behavior leads to the need to revise specific-item measures of cyber-violence periodically. The aim of this research was to explore the psychometric properties of the revised Committing and Experiencing Cyber-Violence Scale: its latent structure, reliability, and descriptive statistics of underlying dimensions, as well as the relation of some known correlates of cyber-violence, like indicators of psychosocial functioning and online behavioral problems, with cyber-violence. Online questionnaires (cyber-violence, depression, anxiety and stress, problematic Internet use, and problematic gaming) were filled out by 1725 adolescents from a convenient sample. Using exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis, the questionnaire’s latent structure and contribution of relevant correlates for explaining cyber-violence variance was examined. Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed a five-factor solution with satisfactory reliability: shaming, information manipulation, hate speech, technology abuse, and information sharing. Participants commit and experience cyber-violence rarely, leading to a positive distribution of data in the factors. The Committing and Experiencing Cyber-violence subscales have a large positive correlation. Gender (male), grades, maternal education, depression, anxiety, stress, problematic Internet use, and problematic gaming are positive predictors of experiencing cyber-violence, whereas gender (male), grades, hours spent online on weekdays, depression, anxiety, stress, problematic Internet use, and problematic gaming are positive predictors of committing cyber-violence. Conclusions: Cyber-violence is connected with lower psychosocial functioning and more risky behavior online (problematic Internet use, problematic online gaming).

Parent-Child Attachment Moderates the Associations Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Adolescents' Health/Mental Health Problems: An Exploration of Cyberbullying Victimization Among Chinese Adolescents

Cyberbullying is a public health concern worldwide, including China. Cyberbullying victimization has negative effects on adolescents' health and mental health. This study examined the associations between cyberbullying victimization and several health and mental health problems among adolescents in China. A total of 3,232 adolescents aged 15 to 17 were recruited from 18 high schools in Xi'an, China, using a stratified random sampling method. Self-report data were collected via survey from adolescents in Xi'an, China. In total, 22.2% and 6.3% of the sample reported having experienced cyberbullying victimization in their lifetime and the past year, respectively. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression revealed that lifetime and preceding-year cyberbullying victimization was, respectively, significantly associated with poorer health (β = -1.58, p < .001; β = -2.22, p < .001), more severe depressive symptoms (β= 3.74, p < .001; β = 4.48, p < .001), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (β = 7.16, p < .001; β = 4.77, p < .001). Binary regression revealed that lifetime and preceding-year cyberbullying victimization was, respectively, significantly related to higher odds of problem drinking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, p < .001; OR = 1.84, p < .01), cigarette smoking (OR = 1.69, p < .001; OR = 2.21, p < .001), and gambling engagement (OR = 1.35, p < .05; OR = 1.97, p < .01). Furthermore, greater levels of parent-child attachment were a protective factor against the negative effects of cyberbullying victimization on adolescents' depressive symptoms (p < .001) and PTSD (p < .05). It is critical to develop and implement prevention and early intervention programs that are tailored to address the needs of adolescents in China. Parental involvement needs to be incorporated into interventions for cyberbullying victimization.

The Moderating Role of Deviant Peer Affiliation in the Relation between Cyber-Victimization, Tobacco and Alcohol Use, and Age Differences

Cyber-victimization, tobacco and alcohol use are all prominent public health problems among adolescents throughout the world. Against this background, this study examined the association between cyber-victimization and tobacco and alcohol use, as well as the moderating role of deviant peer affiliation and the potential age differences among elementary, middle, and high school students. A survey conducted among 1488 school students (aged 9-19 years, consisting of 702 elementary school students, 318 middle school students, and 468 high school students) found that cyber-victimization was positively correlated with tobacco and alcohol use among students of all stages. However, the moderating mechanism was different. Among elementary school students, deviant peer affiliation played a positive moderating role. For individuals with high deviant peer affiliation, this association was stronger. Among middle school students, the moderating role of deviant peer affiliation was insignificant. Among high school students, deviant peer affiliation played a negative moderating role; this association was significant for individuals with low deviant peer affiliation. The results of this study clarify the relationship between cyber-victimization and tobacco and alcohol use by examining the moderating role of deviant peer affiliation and age differences, providing intervention guidance for reducing the negative influences of cyber-victimization on children and adolescents with respect their use of tobacco and alcohol.

The Influence of Peer Support for Violence and Peer Acceptance of Rape Myths on Multiple Forms of Interpersonal Violence Among Youth

Significant work has highlighted the associations among physical dating violence, bullying perpetrated in person, and cyberbullying. Yet these experiences are most often examined in isolation. The present study adds to the literature by testing the hypothesis that peer factors (e.g., perceived peer support for sexual violence and perceived peer endorsement of rape myths) display associations with three forms of aggression (physical dating violence perpetration, perpetration of bullying in-person, and cyberbullying perpetration). A sample of 2,830 10th-grade youth, recruited across 27 high schools in the northeast region of the United States, completed self-report surveys assessing peer context and the perpetration of violence. To examine the potential shared risk of peer approval for sexual violence and peer endorsement of rape myths and multiple forms of violence, a multivariate extension to multilevel models (MLMs) was used. Findings suggested that as hypothesized both peer support for sexual violence and perceptions of peer endorsement of rape myths each made a significant contribution in association with dating aggression perpetration, in person bullying, as well as cyberbullying. Findings offer insight into the development of aggression in adolescence and highlight the necessity of unified research examining multiple domains together. Discussion also underscores the potential benefits of targeting peer context and perceptions of peer norms through cross-cutting prevention programming for adolescents.

Cyberbullying victimization and nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: The role of maladaptive schemas and dispositional mindfulness

BACKGROUND

Previous research has found associations between cyberbullying victimization and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents. Exploration of the possible mediating variables involved is necessary to support intervention with victims.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined whether depression and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) mediate the association between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI, along with the potential protective role of dispositional mindfulness.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A total of 742 Spanish adolescents (50.20% girls) between 12 and 17 years old (M = 14.58; SD = 1.00) participated in the final sample.

METHOD

Participants completed measures of cyberbullying victimization, NSSI, EMS, depression, and mindfulness facets. Mediational models moderated by facets of mindfulness were tested.

RESULTS

Cyberbullying victimization was associated with NSSI through increased depression and EMS. Acting with awareness buffered the association between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI, whereas non-judging increased the association between cyberbullying victimization and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Cybervictimization is associated with NSSI. The mindfulness facet of acting with awareness plays a protector role. Interventions in NSSI and cyberbullying could benefit from these findings.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Interventions to Decrease Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization

Evidence suggests that cyberbullying among school-age children is related to problem behaviors and other adverse school performance constructs. As a result, numerous school-based programs have been developed and implemented to decrease cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. Given the extensive literature and variation in program effectiveness, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of programs to decrease cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. Our review included published and unpublished literature, utilized modern, transparent, and reproducible methods, and examined confirmatory and exploratory moderating factors. A total of 50 studies and 320 effect sizes spanning 45,371 participants met the review protocol criteria. Results indicated that programs significantly reduced cyberbullying perpetration (g = -0.18, SE = 0.05, 95% CI [-0.28, -0.09]) and victimization (g = -0.13, SE = 0.04, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.05]). Moderator analyses, however, yielded only a few statistically significant findings. We interpret these findings and provide implications for future cyberbullying prevention policy and practice.

Time among the taunted: The moderating effect of time perspective on bullying victimization and self-esteem in adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Bullying victimization is detrimental to psychosocial wellbeing in adolescents. It is paramount that factors that mitigate the harmful effects of bullying victimization be identified. Time perspective may be a potential mechanism. Thus, we examined the moderating effect of time perspective on the associations between traditional and cyberbullying victimization (being bullied in person and on electronic media) and self-esteem in adolescents. Time perspective refers to feelings and thoughts about the past, present, and future. We examined time feelings (positive and negative feelings about the time periods), time frequency (frequency of thoughts about the time periods), and time relation (the perceived relationship among the time periods).

METHODS

Two cross-sectional survey studies were conducted. Study 1 examined traditional bullying victimization in 721 American adolescents (M_age = 15.84, SD = 1.20; 57% female). Study 2 examined cyberbullying victimization in 190 American adolescents (M_age = 15.83, SD = 1.28; 59% female).

RESULTS

Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that time perspective dimensions moderated the associations between high levels of traditional and cyberbullying victimization and self-esteem in adolescents who (a) had strong positive and weak negative feelings about the present and future (time feelings); (b) thought a little about the past (time frequency); or (c) perceived all time periods as interrelated (time relation).

CONCLUSIONS

Time perspective dimensions (feelings, frequency, and relation) moderated the associations between traditional and cyberbullying victimization and self-esteem in adolescents. Findings have implications for bullying victimization prevention efforts. Findings also demonstrate the multidimensional and multi-temporal qualities of time perspective.

Associations of emotional and behavioral problems with Internet use among Chinese young adults: the role of academic performance

BACKGROUND

To investigate the independent association between different types of emotional and behavioral problems and Internet use (i.e., Internet use time and problematic Internet use [PIU]) among Chinese young adults, and to test whether these associations vary by academic performance.

METHODS

Data was drawn from the 2019 National School-based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey, and 30,581 undergraduates (mean age: 19.9 [SD: 1.6] years) completed standard questionnaires qualifiedly. Daily hours of Internet use, PIU, emotional and behavioral problems, and academic performance were measured.

RESULTS

After adjusting for control variables and academic performance, students who reported having emotional problems (daily hours: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=0.14, 95% CI=0.12~0.15; PIU: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=1.82, 95% CI=1.77~1.89), conduct problems (daily hours: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=0.12, 95% CI=0.09~0.15; PIU: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=1.76, 95% CI=1.67~1.84), hyperactivity (daily hours: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=0.08, 95% CI=0.06~0.12; PIU: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=1.46, 95% CI=1.38~1.54), and peer problems (daily hours: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=0.03, 95% CI=0.002~0.05; PIU: adjusted unstandardized β estimate=0.53, 95% CI=0.44~0.62) were more likely to engaged in prolonged daily Internet use and PIU. In contrast, prosocial behavior was negatively associated with Internet use time and PIU. Stratified analyses showed that some of the associations in poor academic performers were stronger than in students with good and average academic performance.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design limited the ability to make causal inferences.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the efforts to prevent abnormal Internet use should be focused on students with emotional and behavioral problems or poor academic performance.

Longitudinal Relationships among Cybervictimization, Peer pressure, and Adolescents' Depressive Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Most studies have used cross-sectional designs, very few of which have examined the bidirectional relationship between cybervictimization and depressive symptoms. This study examined bidirectional relationships among adolescents' cybervictimization, peer pressure, and depressive symptoms, and the mediating effect of peer pressure. As a further expansion of the present study, we examined whether these relationships would vary as the roles of gender and economic stress.

METHODS

Participants were 2,407 adolescents (M_age = 12.75, SD = 0.58; n_male = 1191). They provided data in two waves (12 months apart).

RESULTS

Results showed that there were significant bidirectional relationships between cybervictimization and depressive symptoms and peer pressure. Peer pressure significantly mediated the relationship between cybervictimization at Time 1 and depressive symptoms at Time2. For males, the relationship between cybervictimization at Time 1 and depressive symptoms at Time2 became stronger. For females, there was no significant bidirectional relationship between cybervictimization and depressive symptoms. In addition, family socioeconomic status and adolescents perceived economic stress did not moderate the longitudinal relationships among cybervictimization, peer pressure, and depressive symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

Different types of victimization needed to be included. In addition, more waves data served to explore the mediating effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase of cybervictimization predicts higher levels of adolescents' depressive symptoms, but only for males and not for females. Peer pressure mediates the relationship between cybervictimization and depressive symptoms.

Reciprocal longitudinal relations between peer victimization and mobile phone addiction: The explanatory mechanism of adolescent depression

INTRODUCTION

Being victimized by peers has been shown to be associated with a range of adolescent problems, including mobile phone addiction (MPA). Although being victimized is assumed to lead to problem behavior, the reverse could also occur. In this longitudinal study we tested the reciprocal effects of victimization and MPA, taking into account the role of adolescent depression in these effects.

METHODS

The sample included 1987 adolescents from middle schools in Guangdong and Shandong Provinces, China (56.10% male; M_age at Wave 1 = 12.32). Three waves of questionnaire data were collected at half-year intervals during the transition from 7th to 8th grade. Cross-lagged models were adopted for data analysis.

RESULTS

Peer victimization at W1/W2 predicted MPA at W2/W3, and the inverse relation was also significant: MPA at W1/W2 positively predicted peer victimization at W2/W3. Furthermore, the bidirectional association between peer victimization and MPA was mediated by adolescent depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first longitudinal study on the relation between MPA and associated problems. Victimization by peers and MPA appear to have mutual influences over time that are explained in part by adolescent depression. The results have potential applied value for promoting adolescent adjustment.

The Relationship between Social Anxiety, Smartphone Use, Dispositional Trust, and Problematic Smartphone Use: A Moderated Mediation Model

BACKGROUND

The pervasiveness of smartphones has raised concerns about an increase in the prevalence of problematic smartphone use (PSU), which depends on a set of psychological and behavioral risk factors. Previous research has yielded mixed results on factors predicting PSU, including social anxiety and trust. In particular, the role of trust remained largely unexplored. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between social anxiety and PSU, via the mediating role of time spent on the phone, and to explore the moderating role of dispositional trust toward others, by using a moderated mediation model with PSU as the outcome.

METHODS

A total of 240 young adults (M_age = 23.33, SD = 3.90, 50% male) answered an online questionnaire, which included the 12-item Social Anxiety Scale, a question on the daily duration of smartphone use, a single-item measure of dispositional trust, and the 10-item Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version. Gender and occupational status were included as covariates.

RESULTS

Social anxiety was significantly and positively related to PSU; however, smartphone use did not mediate this relationship. Although the relationship between smartphone use and PSU was significant and positive, the link between social anxiety and smartphone use was not. Dispositional trust moderated and strengthened the direct relationships between social anxiety and PSU as well as smartphone use and PSU.

CONCLUSIONS

Heavy smartphone users as well as socially anxious individuals, with the tendency of trusting others, are more at risk of PSU, which can be explained by their preference and search for online connections.

An Exploratory Analysis of Different Problematic Internet Use Profiles in Cybervictims, Cyberbullies, and Cyberbully Victims

The Internet has brought about a paradigm shift in the lives of many people, especially adolescents. While it has opened great possibilities, it has also led to various risks such as cyberbullying and problematic Internet use (PIU). These two constructs have been extensively researched individually and jointly, but the existence of different profiles of problematic use according to the role a person assumes in the context of cyberbullying has not yet been explored. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to analyze the different PIU profiles of those who have been cybervictims, cyberbullies, and cyberbully victims. An analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 25,341 adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age (14.60 ± 1.68). The Cyberbullying Triangulation Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Spanish version of the Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS2) were used. The results indicate that cybervictims (6.4 percent), cyberbullies (4.3 percent), and cyberbully victims (2.7 percent) have different profiles of PIU (p < 0.001). Two common profiles emerge from the three roles: one of nonproblematic use and the other of severe problematic use. Participants who presented severe problematic use are the ones who obtained higher scores in cybervictimization and cyberaggression, particularly in the case of cyberbully victims. Furthermore, this profile is 7.6 (IC99 percent:6.11-9.44) times more likely to present PIU than noninvolved adolescents. These results are relevant when planning cyberbullying-focused interventions and programs because of the association between cyberbullying and general PIU.

Past Year Technology-Involved Peer Harassment Victimization and Recent Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Ideation Among a National Sample of Youth

This article aims to better understand the complex role of technology in peer victimization events with recent depressive symptomatology and suicide ideation (SI). Telephone interviews were conducted with a national sample of 791 youth in the United States, aged 10 to 20 years, collected from December 2013 to March 2014. Rates of any peer harassment victimization varied by past month depressive symptomatology and SI -28% of youth with no/low depressive symptomatology reported past year peer harassment as did 43% of youth with high depressive symptomatology without SI, and 66% of youth with SI. When examining the role of technology in peer harassment, youth experiencing any mixed harassment (i.e., those incidents that occurred both in-person and through technology) were almost 4 times more likely to report past month depressive symptoms without SI (RR_adj = 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.5, 10.0], p ≤ .01) and 7.5 times (95% CI = [1.9, 28.9], p ≤ .01) more likely to report past month SI compared with youth who had no past year peer harassment. Given the multilayered relationships among these variables, schools, medical, and mental health professionals might screen youth who are involved in higher risk peer victimization situations, for depressive symptoms and SI to improve their access to appropriate mental health services.

Associations Between Cyberbullying Perpetration, Sleep Quality, and Emotional Distress Among Adolescents: A Two-Wave Cross-Lagged Analysis

ABSTRACT

Previous studies demonstrate that cyberbullying perpetration and sleep quality likely have vital linkages to each other and to emotional distress. In this article, we examine the bidirectional association between cyberbullying perpetration, sleep quality, and emotional distress in a longitudinal data set with two waves of data collection (T1 and T2, 8 months apart). The participants included 661 Chinese junior high school students (n = 661; mean age, 14.02; 61.4% male) who filled out the Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory-Cyberbullying Subscale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Results revealed that cyberbullying and sleep quality would predict each other over time, and significant bidirectional relationships were found between sleep quality and emotional distress across T1 and T2. Cyberbullying at T1 would not predict the emotional distress at T2, whereas emotional distress at T1 was associated with cyberbullying at T2.

The Development of Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms among Adolescents Who Experience Cyber and Traditional Victimization over Time

Adolescents' experiences of bullying victimization are positively associated with their post-traumatic stress symptoms. The development of these symptoms alongside experiences of bullying victimization over time, however, are not well understood. The current study used a transactional theory of development to examine the bidirectional associations between adolescents' post-traumatic stress symptoms and experiences of cyber and traditional victimization across three academic years. Participants were 510 Canadian students in grade 7 or 10 (M_age = 13.7, 61.6% girls) who completed surveys annually. The findings show that adolescents' concurrent experiences of cyber and traditional victimization were uniquely associated with their post-traumatic stress symptoms. Over time, greater post-traumatic stress symptoms were associated with more experiences of cyber and traditional victimization among adolescent boys and girls. Prevention and intervention efforts must address the role of post-traumatic stress symptoms that may limit adolescents' ability to develop or maintain healthy relationships.

The Mediating Role of Bullying and Victimisation on the Relationship Between Problematic Internet Use and Substance Abuse Among Adolescents in the UK: The Parent-Child Relationship as a Moderator

Over the last decade, research into the negative effects of problematic internet use has greatly increased. The current study adopted a mediation-moderation model in exploring the relationship between problematic internet use and substance abuse (drinking, drug use, and smoking tobacco cigarettes) among 1,613 adolescents (aged 10-16) in the UK. The findings of the study revealed a significant positive correlation between problematic internet use and substance abuse, which is mediated by traditional and cyber bullying and victimisation. Furthermore, the parent-child relationship was found to be a protective factor that moderated the correlation between problematic internet use and substance abuse and the correlation between problematic internet use and traditional bullying. The study emphasises the critical need to reduce problematic internet use among adolescents as a risk factor for involvement in bullying as perpetrators and victims, in addition to substance abuse. Furthermore, the findings of the study highlight the importance of a good parent-child relationship as a protective factor among adolescents. In light of the findings of the study, interventions for reducing problematic internet use taking into account bullying and the parent-child relationship are needed among adolescents.

Internet Gaming Disorder, Risky Online Behaviour, and Mental Health in Hong Kong Adolescents: The Beneficial Role of Psychological Resilience

In the present cyber age, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and risky online behaviour are prevalent, and adolescents are especially vulnerable to such emergent problems. Few studies have explored the protective factors that mitigate harm caused by IGD and various common risky online behaviours. This study examined the prevalence of IGD and risky online behaviour, their hypothesised associations with depressive symptoms, and the beneficial role of psychological resilience as an underlying psychological mechanism. The participants included 1,099 Chinese junior secondary school students (33% boys, mean age = 13.5 years, age range = 10-17 years) who completed a battery of validated self-report questionnaires at their schools. The results revealed that 4% of the participants were at high risk of IGD and 6% were at an overall risk level of IGD. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with IGD and risky online behaviour, and psychological resilience mediated both of these associations. These results imply that clinicians and teachers should incorporate psychological resilience training into intervention approaches to mitigate IGD and risky online behaviour.

Mindfulness and Cyberbullying Among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Social Support and Empathy

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have shown that mindfulness is associated with fewer cyberbullying behaviors in adolescents. The present study investigated the ways in which mindfulness is related to cyberbullying in Chinese adolescents by considering the role of empathy and perceived social support.

METHODS

A total of 1,390 Chinese high school students were recruited for this study. Adolescents' self-reports of mindfulness, cyberbullying, empathy, and perceived social support were used in the analyses.

RESULTS

The results showed our model fitted the data well [χ²/df = 2.413, CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.958, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.059 (0.040-0.078)], and revealed empathy and perceived social support partially mediate the relationship between mindfulness and cyberbullying.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate adolescents' mindfulness plays a crucial role on the likelihood of cyberbullying as well as empathy and perceived social support. Improving the mindfulness skills of adolescents should be considered by teachers and parents seeking to decrease cyberbullying.

Adolescent-to-Parent Violence: Psychological and Family Adjustment

Adolescent-to-Parent Violence (APV) or Child-to-Parent Violence (CPV) is a specific form of violence that has remained inconspicuous until recently, but is becoming a mounting social issue and is increasingly the focus of scientific research. Of the variables related to APV, the study assessed the characteristics of the family system and its relationship to the psychosocial adjustment of adolescents, an aspect scarcely examined in the literature. Thus, a field study was performed on a community sample of 210 adolescents aged 12–17 years (51.4% girls) who were assessed on measurements of APV, parenting (parental socialization), victimization, and psychological adjustment (personal, family, and school). The results revealed higher rates of psychological APV, and no gender effects in violence exercised against either parent. The adolescents involved in APV exhibited a greater psychological maladjustment in the different areas under analysis. Moreover, adolescents engaging in psychological APV reported a parental socialization style characterized by severe strictness and supervision in comparison to non-aggressors not implicated in psychological APV. Finally, adolescents exercising APV who were victimized by their parents showed more psychological, personal, and school maladjustment. These results have implications for needs analysis and the planning of community prevention strategies.

Cyberbullying in Adolescents: Resilience as a Protective Factor of Mental Health Outcomes

The present cross-sectional research examined the moderating role of resilience in the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and mental health outcomes, measured based on depression symptoms and life satisfaction. The sample consisted of 2,108 adolescents aged 12-17 who completed measures of cyberbullying victimization, resilience, depression, and life satisfaction. Structural equation models showed an appropriate fit of the moderation model of resilience in the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and mental health outcomes [χ² (149) = 1,270.368; root-mean-squared error of approximation = 0.066; comparative fit index = 0.923; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.907]. Regression analyses revealed significant interaction effects, indicating that among adolescents with high levels of resilience, cyberbullying victimization was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and a smaller reduction in life satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of working on resilience in adolescents as a mechanism to deal with cyberbullying victimization.

Cyber and Offline Dating Abuse in a Portuguese Sample: Prevalence and Context of Abuse

The increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and networking has promoted the occurrence of different forms of victimization, specifically in terms of interpersonal interaction (e.g., cyberbullying or online risk-taking behaviour), which also includes cyber dating abuse (CDA). Some studies report that CDA is an extension of offline dating abuse (ODA). Because Portuguese studies in this area are scarce, this study aims to bridge this knowledge gap, seeking to investigate the extent and the context of CDA occurrence, and the relationship between CDA and all forms of ODA, i.e., physical, verbal–emotional and control. A convenience sample of 173 Portuguese adolescents and young adults was studied. This sample is mostly female (86.7%), has a mean (M) age of 25.36 years old and a standard deviation (SD) of 6.88 years of age. The results show that CDA and ODA among the Portuguese are very prevalent and related. Control (31.8 vs. 20.8%) and verbal–emotional ODA (26.7 vs. 20.2%) as well as control CDA (38.2 vs. 43.4%) were the most prevalent forms of abuse, either in terms of victimization or in terms of perpetration. The results also showed that CDA usually appears in a context of jealousy, also explaining control CDA and CDA direct aggression. A significant relationship between control CDA and CDA direct aggression and physical, verbal–emotional and control ODA was found. Experiencing control and verbal–emotional ODA are the main risk factors of control CDA victimization. This study allows to lay the groundwork for further research on dating victimization and perpetration through ICT, and has important practical implications at the level of Portuguese prevention strategies and intervention policies, thus emphasizing the role of the official authorities and the law itself.

Bullying victimization, mental disorders, suicidality and self-harm among Australian high schoolchildren: Evidence from nationwide data

The effects of bullying on mental health among adolescents are of major public health concern, especially following modern bullying methods that technologically victimize adolescents. However, the independent effects of different forms of bullying (traditional, cyberbullying or both) on different types of mental disorders, suicidality and self-harm are not clear. Using a cross-sectional study design, involving 2166 Australian high schoolchildren (1131 Boys and 1035 Girls) aged 12-17 years, this study examined the associations of bullying victimization (traditional, cyber and both) with mental disorders, suicidality (ideation, plan and attempt) and self-harm. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to assess the associations. Victims of traditional bullying and cyberbullying incurred a significantly higher risk of major depressive disorder, suicidality and self-harm compared to those who had not encountered such threats. Findings also indicated the need for early identification of bullying victims to prevent the risk of mental disorders, suicidality and self-harm in schoolchildren. Furthermore, this evidence can be utilized to inform decisions regarding the provision of resources to address this important health issue in the context of any developed countries like Australia.

Cybervictimization, Depression, and Adolescent Internet Addiction: The Moderating Effect of Prosocial Peer Affiliation

Although vast research has shown that cybervictimization is a significant risk factor of adolescent’s internet addiction (IA), little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms behind this relationship. The current study examined whether depression mediated the relationship between cybervictimization and adolescent’s IA, and whether the direct and indirect effect was moderated by prosocial peer affiliation (PPA). A sample of 1,006 adolescents (Mean_age = 13.16; SD = 0.67) anonymously completed the questionnaires. The results revealed that the positive association between cybervictimization and adolescent’s IA was mediated by depression. Moderated mediation analysis further showed that PPA moderated the association between cybervictimization and adolescent’s IA. However, this indirect effect was stronger for adolescents with high PPA than for those with low PPA, which means that the protective effects of PPA are limited. These findings highlight the mediating and moderating mechanisms between cybervictimization and adolescent’s IA, and provide guidance for the prevention and intervention in adolescent’s IA.

Problematic internet use: A scoping review – longitudinal research on a contemporary social problem, 2006–2017

Background and aims:

Problematic internet use (PIU), and kindred concepts such as internet addiction (IA), make up a growing research field, partly due to the suggested inclusion of internet gaming disorder in a future DSM-6 as well as the fact that gaming disorder is on its way to being included in the ICD-11. Conclusions from research are far from unified. This study aims to synthesise the research field of problematic internet use/internet addiction/gaming disorder, with a focus on the reporting of prevalence and change.

Methods:

Longitudinal studies of PIU/IA formed the basis for a scoping review. Systematic searches of Web of Science, Scopus and Proquest, for peer-reviewed and published articles based on empirical data collected at a minimum of two time points for studies, and with an end point set at 2017, led to the inclusion of 97 studies. Endnote X7 was used to organise the results and NVivo 11 was used for synthesising the results.

Results:

Analyses focused on prevalence and change. Findings show variation among measures and prevalence as well as in reported outcomes relating to social life and other problems. Most studies reported relations between PIU/IA and other problems in life, but no specific time order could be established. Furthermore, many studies did not present data on prevalence or change even though using a longitudinal survey design.

Discussion and conclusions:

In summary, the research field is plagued by a lack of consensus and common understanding, regarding both measures, perceptions of the problem, and findings.

Higher depressive symptoms in early adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder by self- and parent-report compared to typically-developing peers

BACKGROUND

Depression is more prevalent among male early adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than their typically- developing (TD) peers, but findings are limited to two male-only studies. Therefore, a broader understanding of depressive symptoms among both male and female early adolescents with ASD in larger samples is needed. Self- and parent-ratings are frequently used, yet rater differences may emerge and provide unique insights.

METHOD

Ratings of adolescent depressive symptoms were examined among 230 early adolescents (10:0-13:5 years) with and without ASD using self- (Children's Depression Inventory, Second Edition; CDI-2) and parent- report (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL) measures. The influence of diagnostic group (ASD vs. TD) and rater (early adolescent vs. parent) on ratings were examined with Full Scale IQ and sex as covariates. Additionally, the reliability and strength of agreement between raters were examined.

RESULTS

Higher depressive symptoms were reported by both raters in the ASD group (Borderline range) compared to the TD group (Average range). The interaction of diagnostic group and rater was nonsignificant, but significant main effects emerged. Sex was a significant covariate, but Full Scale IQ was not. The reliability and strength of agreement between raters in the ASD group only were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that depressive symptoms may be higher in both male and female early adolescents with ASD across self- and parent- reports. However, measurement of depression in ASD may be complicated by nonsignificant reliability and strength of agreement between raters. Results have implications for screening and intervention for early adolescents with ASD.

Bullying and Delinquency: The Impact of Anger and Frustration

Few studies have explored whether individuals who are bullied at school or online are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Even less is known about whether negative emotions (i.e., anger or frustration)-as a result of being victimized-mediate the relationships between being bullied or cyberbullied and delinquency (as predicted by Agnew's general strain theory). The current study uses data from a national sample of 2,670 middle and high school students in the United States. Results indicate that youth who were bullied or cyberbullied, and who experience negative emotions as a result, are more likely to engage in delinquency. Negative emotions did not mediate the relationship between bullying and delinquency; however, they did partly mediate the relationship between cyberbullying and delinquency. The findings indicate that being bullied matters more in explaining delinquent behavior than the negative emotions that may result. Implications for research and policy are discussed in light of these findings.

The longitudinal influence of cyberbullying victimization on depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms: The mediation role of rumination

Prior studies demonstrated that cyberbullying victimization is associated with mental health in adolescent samples. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediational roles of intrusive and deliberate rumination in the association between cyberbullying victimization, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among Chinese adolescents in two-wave longitudinal data. A total of 661 Chinese junior high school students completed the measures at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2). Adolescents' self-reports of cyberbullying victimization, rumination, depression, and PTSS were used in the analyses. The results showed that cyberbullying victimization was a positive predictor of depression and PTSS through the mediating variable of intrusive rumination, and revealed that deliberate rumination partially mediated the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression.

Prospective associations between internet use and poor mental health: A population-based study

OBJECTIVES

Most of the evidence on the effects of internet use on mental health derives from cross-sectional research. We set out to explore prospective associations between internet use (hours online and specific internet experiences) and future mental health problems.

METHODS

Participants were 1,431 respondents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a UK birth cohort, who completed a questionnaire on internet use (time online and ten different internet experiences) when they were aged 18 years. Outcomes included past year self-harm, assessed at 21 years and high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, assessed at 22 years. Associations were investigated using logistic regression models and analyses were conducted separately for males and females.

RESULTS

Females reporting high levels of internet use (number of hours online) were found to be at increased risk of depression at follow-up (highest tertile vs lowest tertile OR = 1.41, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.20), whereas males with high levels of internet use were at increased risk for self-harm (highest tertile vs lowest tertile OR = 2.53, 95%CI 0.93 to 6.90). There was no evidence to suggest an association between hours spent online and anxiety. With regards to the specific internet experiences, associations were found for females but not for males. In fully adjusted models, being bullied online (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.86) and meeting someone face to face (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.41) were associated with an increased risk of future depression. Being bullied online was also associated with an increased risk of future self-harm (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.41 to 4.15), along with receiving unwanted sexual comments or material, and coming across pornography and violent/gruesome material.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance of digital citizenship training to help teach young people to use technology safely and responsibly.

Associations Between Cybervictimization and Well-Being in Emerging Adulthood

Outcomes associated with cybervictimization in adolescence have been heavily studied, although less research has examined these associations in emerging adulthood. This study was designed to examine links between cybervictimization and social and emotional well-being, and internalizing and externalizing behavior in a sample of 447 college and noncollege attending emerging adults. Results suggest that cybervictimization is problematic for social and emotional well-being, internalizing, and externalizing behavior. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating prevention programs and antibullying campaigns for individuals in the emerging adult age group, and provides suggestions for future research.

Cyberbullying victimization and problematic Internet use among Chinese adolescents: Longitudinal mediation through mindfulness and depression

Although previous research has demonstrated that the experience of cyberbullying victimization is associated with behavioral and psychological health problems, it is still unclear how cyberbullying victimization affects physical and mental health issues. Our aim was to test the longitudinal linkage between cyberbullying victimization and problematic Internet use (PIU) via the possible mediating roles of mindfulness and depression. This study employed a two-wave longitudinal design. 661 Chinese junior high school students were assessed using self-reported questionnaires about cyberbullying victimization, mindfulness, severity of depression, and PIU. The results revealed that the experience of cyberbullying victimization was positively related to PIU through the mediating variables of mindfulness and depression.

Cross-National Associations Among Cyberbullying Victimization, Self-Esteem, and Internet Addiction: Direct and Indirect Effects of Alexithymia

The relationship among cyberbullying victimization, lower self-esteem, and internet addiction has been well-established. Yet, little research exists that explains the nature of these associations, and no previous work has considered the inability to identify or describe one’s emotions, namely, alexithymia, as a potential mediator of these links. The present study sought to investigate the indirect effects of cyberbullying victimization on self-esteem and internet addiction, mediated by alexithymia. The sample consisted of 1,442 participants between 12 and 17 years (M_age = 14.17, SD = 1.38, 51.5% male) from Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Results showed a direct relationship between cyberbullying victimization and self-esteem and an indirect association mediated by alexithymia in the Dutch sample. However, in the German and U.S. samples, only an indirect relationship via alexithymia, but not a direct effect of cyberbullying victimization on self-esteem, was found. Consistent across the three country samples, cyberbullying victimization and internet addiction were directly and also indirectly associated via alexithymia. In sum, findings indicate that alexithymia might help better understand which detrimental effects cyberbullying victimization has on adolescent psychological health. Thus, cyberbullying prevention programs should consider implementing elements that educate adolescents on the ability to identify and describe their own emotions.

Sleep Quality as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Cyber Victimization and Depression

PURPOSE

Cyber victimization is a national mental health concern, especially among adolescents who are digital natives. The current study examined sleep quality as a mediator of the association between cyber victimization and depressive symptoms among adolescents.

DESIGN AND METHOD

A prospective study design was utilized with a community sample of adolescents (N = 801; 57% female; mean age = 14.45, SD = .85) from the eastern United States. Participants completed (a) the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; (b) the Cyber Victimization Scale; and (c) the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised via online surveys at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The inter-relationship between variables was analyzed by Hayes' mediation approach.

FINDINGS

Cyber victimization was not directly associated with having depressive symptoms 6 months later when controlling for adolescents' poor sleep quality, sex, and age (direct effect [c'] = .012, t(676) = 1.12, p < .05, confidence interval [CI] -.008, .036). The mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect of poor sleep quality on the relationship between cyber victimization and depressive symptoms (ab = .005, bootstrapped standard error [SE] = .003, bootstrapped CI .001, .011; a is the effect of cyber victimization on poor sleep quality; b is the effect of poor sleep quality on depressive symptoms). Specifically, adolescents' cyber victimization led to poor sleep quality (a = .039, SE = .041, p < .05), which also led to increased depressive symptoms (b = .116, SE = .019, p < .001), after controlling for depressive symptoms at baseline, sex, and age. The indirect effect of cyber victimization on depressive symptoms was estimated through poor sleep quality (a*b = .039(.116) = .0045).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that poor sleep quality may be a mechanism through which cyber bullying is related prospectively to depressive symptoms. Interventions for cyber-victimized adolescents should include assessment of sleep quality and incorporate sleep hygiene education.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Adolescents should be screened for cyber victimization and sleep quality. Moreover, promotion of sleep hygiene among cyber-victimized adolescents may help to reduce depression.

Cyberbullying and Adolescents

Purpose of Review

Cyberbullying is an aggressive behavior involving a type of electronic communication intending to harm a victim that can have profound effects on adolescents. This review examines the epidemiology, issues from cyberbullying, presentation to care of its victims and proposed interventions to this behavior.

Recent Findings

There are a variety of physical and psychological effects on victims of cyberbullying that can include recurrent abdominal pain, headaches and difficulty with sleep. In addition, victims have higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and a lower level of well-being. Unfortunately, victims may remain silent, so screening for cyberbullying is encouraged in a variety of settings. Interventions can be designed at the level of the victim (and perpetrator), family, school and other support networks. Prevention of cyberbullying can be a focus for providers of healthcare.

Summary

Cyberbullying can have profound biopsychosocial effects on its victims. There are strategies currently in use and under development to identify and intervene on behalf of those affected by these behaviors.

Mental Health-Related Behaviors and Discussions Among Young Adults: Analysis and Classification

Background

There have been recurring reports of web-based harassment and abuse among adolescents and young adults through anonymous social networks.

Objective

This study aimed to explore discussions on the popular anonymous social network Yik Yak related to social and mental health messaging behaviors among college students, including cyberbullying, to provide insights into mental health behaviors on college campuses.

Methods

From April 6, 2016, to May 7, 2016, we collected anonymous conversations posted on Yik Yak at 19 universities in 4 different states and performed statistical analyses and text classification experiments on a subset of these messages.

Results

We found that prosocial messages were 5.23 times more prevalent than bullying messages. The frequency of cyberbullying messages was positively associated with messages seeking emotional help. We found significant geographic variation in the frequency of messages offering supportive vs bullying messages. Across campuses, bullying and political discussions were positively associated. We also achieved a balanced accuracy of over 0.75 for most messaging behaviors and topics with a support vector machine classifier.

Conclusions

Our results show that messages containing data about students’ mental health–related attitudes and behaviors are prevalent on anonymous social networks, suggesting that these data can be mined for real-time analysis. This information can be used in education and health care services to better engage with students, provide insight into conversations that lead to cyberbullying, and reach out to students who need support.