Longitudinal and Incremental Relation of Cybervictimization to Negative Self-Cognitions and Depressive Symptoms in Young Adolescents

The role of core self-evaluation between peer victimization and depression: A longitudinal multilevel moderated mediation model and the healthy context paradox in Chinese adolescents

BACKGROUND

According to the healthy context paradox, the negative effects of peer victimization on core self-evaluation and depressive symptoms may vary in different levels of classroom-level victimization. However, previous studies have not investigated this issue using a longitudinal study design.

OBJECTIVE

The present study used a longitudinal design to examine why and under what conditions peer victimization was associated with adolescents' depressive symptoms.

METHOD

A large number of Chinese adolescents (Time 1: N = 4164, 50.3 % girls, Mage = 12.89, SDage = 0.77; Time 2: N = 4001, 50.4 % girls, Mage = 14.39, SDage = 0.75) were followed for one and a half years.

RESULTS

Results showed that adolescents who were victimized in healthy contexts were more depressed and were at an increased risk of reporting more negative core self-evaluation than those victimized in unhealthy contexts. Moreover, core self-evaluation served as a mediator between peer victimization and depressive symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

This study included two waves of data, which limited the exploration of dynamic relationships between peer victimization and depressive symptoms. In addition, the self-reported data weakened the objectivity of the results. Finally, this study neglected the effects of different dimensions of peer victimization on depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The healthy context paradox of peer victimization is identified in China, highlighting that future interventions of peer victimization should pay more attention to specific remaining victimized and self-devaluing individuals in healthy contexts.

The Association between Cyberbullying Victimization and Depression among Children: A Moderated Mediation Model

Cyberbullying victimization is becoming more prevalent and adversely affects mental health. This research explores the relationship between the two variables and the underlying mechanism, especially for children, as the impact of mental health in childhood might last a lifetime. Primary school students (N = 344; Mage = 9.90; 43.90% girls) completed self-report questionnaires regarding cyberbullying victimization, self-perceived social competence, optimism, and depression at school. Gender and grade were controlled as covariates. Depression was positively predicted by cyberbullying victimization, while self-perceived social competence played a partially mediating role. In addition, optimism directly and indirectly moderated the effects of cyberbullying victimization on depression. Specifically, the effects were stronger for children with low levels of optimism. Therefore, efforts to enhance children's self-perceived social competence and optimism may reduce their depression resulting from cyberbullying victimization.

COVID-19 Restrictions Resulted in Both Positive and Negative Effects on Digital Media Use, Mental Health, and Lifestyle Habits

While studies have reported effects on digital media during the COVID-19 restrictions, few have included data prior to the pandemic, and most have only measured screen time. We therefore investigated changes in specific digital media activities, as well as mental health and lifestyle habits, in a longitudinal study of adolescents spanning from before the pandemic (T1) to one month into restrictions (T2) and one year later when schools had reopened (T3). Adolescents (16-19 years) rated smartphone use, problematic/addictive media use, negative experiences (e.g., victimization), mental health (i.e., irritability, stress, and closeness), and protective lifestyle habits (i.e., sleep and exercise). Results showed initial decreases in irritability and negative digital experiences, increases in sleep and exercise, as well as a decrease in closeness during remote learning (T2). However, these changes returned to, or superseded, their initial levels at follow-up (T3). There were also increases in digital media use and stress at T3. Conclusively, by investigating specific digital media activities and collecting data both prior to and during different phases of the pandemic, we were able to find both positive and negative effects.

A scoping review of social media in child, adolescents and young adults: research findings in depression, anxiety and other clinical challenges

BACKGROUND

Social media and other technologies are reshaping communication and health.

AIMS

This review addresses the relationship between social media use, behavioural health conditions and psychological well-being for youth aged <25 years.

METHOD

A scoping review of 11 literature databases from 2000 to 2020 explored research studies in youth in five areas: clinical depression and anxiety, quantitative use, social media mode, engagement and qualitative dimensions and health and well-being.

RESULTS

Out of 2820 potential literature references, 140 met the inclusion criteria. The foci were clinical depression and anxiety disorders (n = 78), clinical challenges (e.g. suicidal ideation, cyberbullying) (n = 34) and psychological well-being (n = 28). Most studies focused on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Few studies are longitudinal in design (n = 26), had comparison groups (n = 27), were randomised controlled trials (n = 3) or used structured assessments (n = 4). Few focused on different youth and sociodemographic populations, particularly for low-income, equity-seeking and deserving populations. Studies examined association (n = 120; 85.7%), mediating (n = 16; 11.4%) and causal (n = 4; 2.9%) relationships. Prospective, longitudinal studies of depression and anxiety appear to indicate that shorter use (≤3 h/day) and purposeful engagement is associated with better mood and psychological well-being. Depression may predict social media use and reduce perception of support. Findings provide families, teachers and providers ways to engage youth.

CONCLUSIONS

Research opportunities include clinical outcomes from functional perspective on a health continuum, diverse youth and sociodemographic populations, methodology, intervention and privacy issues. More longitudinal studies, comparison designs and effectiveness approaches are also needed. Health systems face clinical, training and professional development challenges.

Can the Negative Cognitive Bias Be Predicted by Early Victimization of College Students? The Dual Role of Resilience

Victimization could cause cognitive dysfunction like negative cognitive bias. While there are studies of contemporaneous consequences, there is insufficient research on whether and how early victimization will affect adult negative cognitive bias. This study examined the dual role of resilience (i.e., whether resilience would moderate the relationship between early victimization and negative cognitive bias, and/or whether resilience would mediate the same relationship). A total of 972 college students (40% were males, Mage = 19.25, SD = 1.17, range = 16-25) from three universities in Central China completed a series of anonymous questionnaires on early victimization, resilience, and negative cognitive bias. After controlling for demographic variables, the results indicated that early victimization was positively correlated with negative cognitive bias of college students. Moderation analysis indicated that resilience moderated the relationship between early victimization and negative cognitive bias. Mediation analysis revealed that resilience partially mediated the same relationship. Specifically, the effect of early victimization on negative cognitive bias was stronger for college students with high level of resilience than those with low level of resilience. Meanwhile, early victimization affected negative cognitive bias partially through resilience. The findings elucidate the dual role of resilience in the relationship between early victimization and negative cognitive bias. On the one hand, negative cognitive bias can be reduced by enhancing resilience among victims, on the other hand, the protective role of resilience may be weakened with the increase of victimization, reminding us to pay more attention to victims with high level of resilience.

The role of self-efficacy and parental communication in the association between cyber victimization and depression among adolescents and young adults: a structural equation model

BACKGROUND

With the rapid advancement and revolutionization of information and communication technologies, adolescents and young adults use smartphones, the internet, and social networking services more frequently, as a result, the problem of cyber-bullying sharply increases, and eventually it causes psychological issues and negative thoughts in the victims. This study aimed to examine the role of self-efficacy and parental communication in the relationship between cyber victimization and depression among adolescents and young adults in India.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis was performed on a cross-sectional dataset obtained from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) wave 2 survey. The sample included 16,292 adolescent and young adult boys and girls aged 12-23 years. Karl Pearson Correlation coefficient analysis was done to examine the correlation between outcome variable (depressive symptoms), mediator variables (self-efficacy and parental communication) and key explanatory variable (cyber victimization). Further, structural equation modeling technique was applied to examine the hypothesized pathways.

RESULTS

Adolescents and young adults being victims of cyber-bullying [β = 0.1357, p < 0.001] and those witnessed inter-parental violence were positively [β = 0.0026, p < 0.001] correlated with depressive symptoms. Self-efficacy and parental communication were negatively related to depressive symptoms among adolescents and young adults. There was a significant positive relationship between cyber victimization [β = 0.258, p < 0.001] and depressive symptoms. Cyber victimization was positively related to self-efficacy [β = 0.043, p < 0.001] among adolescents and young adults. Self-efficacy [β= -0.150, p < 0.001] and parental communication [β=-0.261, p < 0.001] reduced depressive symptoms among the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that adolescents and young adults who are victims of cyber-bully may have depressive symptoms and their mental health can be improved through the enhancement of self-efficacy and increased parental communication. Improved peer attitudes and familial support for empowering cyber victims should be taken into account while framing programs and interventions.

Does Early Victimization of School Bullies Affect Core Self-Evaluations in Young Adulthood? A Moderated Mediation Model

Early victimization is associated with a range of psychological adaptation problems in young adulthood, including core self-evaluations. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the association between early victimization and young adults' core self-evaluations. This study examined the mediating role of negative cognitive processing bias and the moderating role of resilience in the relationship. A total of 972 college students were recruited to complete measures of early victimization, negative cognitive processing bias, resilience, and core self-evaluations. The results showed that early victimization significantly and negatively predicted the core self-evaluations in young adulthood. The negative association between early victimization and core self-evaluations was completely mediated by negative cognitive processing bias. Resilience moderated the relationship between early victimization and negative cognitive bias, and the relationship between negative cognitive processing bias and core self-evaluations. Resilience has both risk-buffering and risk-enhancing effects. In light of these results, in order to help victims maintain good mental health, we should intervene in individual cognitive factors. Notably, while resilience is a protective factor in most cases, the benefits of resilience should not be overstated. So, we should not only cultivate students' resilience but also provide them with more support and resources and intervene in risk factors at the same time.

Longitudinal Associations Between Cybervictimization and Adolescent Sleep Problems: The Role of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms

Adolescents who have experienced cybervictimization are at risk for sleep problems. However, there is a gap in knowledge about the mechanism that would explain this link. The study used a longitudinal design to test if cybervictimization predicted adolescents' sleep problems 6 and 12 months later, and whether these patterns could be explained in part by emotional distress in response to the victimization. Participants were 1987 Chinese adolescents (56.1% males) ages 10 to 14 (M = 12.32, SD = 0.53) at baseline. Data were collected over the course of 1 year, in three waves 6 months apart. The adolescents completed questionnaires regarding cybervictimization, sleep problems, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms at all three time points. Autoregressive cross-lagged models showed that cybervictimization predicted later sleep problems after controlling for traditional peer victimization, and anxiety and depressive symptoms mediated this link. Multivariate latent growth models showed that the developmental trajectories of cybervictimization, sleep problems, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms were related in complex ways over time. Measures of study variables were self-reported, and generalizability may be limited by a sample of adolescents from school in China. These results are important because of their implications for prevention and treatment of adolescents' sleep problems evoked by cybervictimization.

Cyberbullying among college students in a Chinese population: Prevalence and associated clinical correlates

Objectives

Cyberbullying is quite common in adolescents and college students, and it influences mental health in many aspects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cyberbullying in Chinese college students and to look for related factors.

Methods

Eight thousand and ninety-eight college students aged 17-26 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We collected information of their sociodemographic data, depression (evaluated by Self-Rating Depression Scale), anxiety (evaluated by Self-Rating Anxiety Scale), lifetime suicidal behaviors (including suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and suicide attempts), and experiences of cyberbullying for the past 12 months by online questionnaires.

Results

The prevalence of cyberbullying for the past 12 months was 7.82% (633/8,098) among college students. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that sex (odds ratio, OR = 0.522, 95%CI = 0.433-0.629, p < 0.001), suicide attempts (OR = 2.164, 95%CI = 1.589-2.948, p < 0.001), depression (OR = 2.372, 95%CI = 1.602-3.512, p < 0.001), and anxiety (OR = 1.911, 95%CI = 1.305-2.800, p = 0.001) were independently associated with cyberbullying.

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is very common among college students in Hunan Province, China. Besides, being male, suicide attempts, depression and anxiety were independently associated with cyberbullying, which highlights the importance of paying attention to cyberbullying and addressing anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors among college students to better improve their mental health and prevent suicide.

Integrating the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Into the Relations Between Cyber-Victimization and Suicidality Among Adolescents: A Short-Term Prospective Study

The relation between cyber-victimization and suicidality among adolescents has been well documented; however, the mechanisms underlying this association have not been well investigated. Drawing upon the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study aimed to examine the mediating mechanisms (i.e., thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) underlying longitudinal, bidirectional relations between cyber-victimization and suicidal ideation/attempts among adolescents and explore gender differences in the mechanisms. Participants were 497 Chinese adolescents (46.1% male; M_age = 13.28, SD = .66), who completed the assessment of cyber-victimization, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness, suicidal ideation/attempts at three-time points. The time interval between each two assessments is two weeks. Results showed the reciprocal relations between cyber-victimization and thwarted belongingness/perceived burdensomeness, between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation/suicide attempts, and between perceived burdensomeness and suicide attempts. Longitudinal mediation analyses indicated that Time 2 thwarted belongingness mediated the relation between Time 1 cyber-victimization and Time 3 suicidal ideation/suicide attempts. Besides, the reverse pathway from Time 1 suicidal ideation to Time 3 cyber-victimization was also mediated by Time 2 thwarted belongingness, but it was only significant in females, as suggested by multiple-group analyses. According to the aforementioned results, the interpersonal theory of suicide provides a useful framework for understanding relations between cyber-victimization and suicidality. Findings suggest that intervention targeted at improving the need to belong may help reduce suicide risk and lower cyber-victimization. Anti-cyber-victimization should be integrated into suicide intervention and prevention programs, and gender differences should be taken into account in order to enhance the program's effectiveness.

Does Religion Buffer Against the Detrimental Effect of Cyberbullying Victimization on Adults' Health and Well-Being? Evidence from the 2014 Canadian General Social Survey

While prior research has well-documented the detrimental effect of cyberbullying victimization on health and well-being among children and adolescents, less is known about whether the same adverse pattern can be observed among adults. Moreover, it is unclear about what psychosocial resources might moderate this association. The present study uses a nationally representative cross-sectional survey-2014 Canadian General Social Survey (N = 17,548)-to examine three research questions. First, is cyberbullying victimization associated with adults' self-rated health, mental health, and life satisfaction? Second, how does religiosity-religious service attendance and religious beliefs-moderate this association? Third, do any observed patterns further differ for men and women? Through a series of logistic and ordinary least squares regression models, the results show that adults who experienced cyberbullying victimization in the past 5 years are more likely to report poor self-rated health and mental health compared to those who did not experience cyberbullying victimization in the past 5 years. Likewise, cyberbullying victimization is also associated with lower levels of life satisfaction. In addition, the adverse associations of cyberbullying victimization in the past 5 years with self-rated health and life satisfaction are weaker among those who attended religious service at least once a week in the past twelve months. A similar pattern is observed for the buffering effect of viewing religious beliefs as very important in the adverse association of cyberbullying victimization in the past 5 years with self-rated life satisfaction. There is also evidence suggesting the gendered buffering effect of the importance of religious beliefs in the association between cyberbullying victimization and self-rated health. This study makes important empirical and theoretical contributions to the growing field of research on the association between cyberbullying victimization and health and well-being and to our understanding of how religion matters to individuals dealing with stressful experiences.

The Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and Cyber Aggression Among College Students: The Mediating Effects of Relative Deprivation and Depression

Introduction

Based on the general aggression model, the present study aims to examine the relationship between bullying victimization and cyber aggression as well as the mediating effects of perceived relative deprivation and depression on this relationship.

Methods

The present study employed a 3-wave longitudinal method featuring 6-month intervals to investigate 795 Chinese college students (476 female; M _age = 19.67). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships among bullying victimization, perceived relative deprivation, depression and cyber aggression.

Results

The results suggested that bullying victimization positively and significantly predicts cyber aggression in college students and that both perceived relative deprivation and depression play positive mediating roles in this relationship. Moreover, bullying victimization affects cyber aggression via the chain mediating roles of perceived relative deprivation and depression.

Discussion

This study offers valuable insight into ways of considering perceived relative deprivation and depression in the context of prevention and intervention strategies to help attenuate cyber aggression among victims of bullying.

The effects of cyberbullying victimization on depression and suicidal ideation among adolescents and young adults: a three year cohort study from India

BACKGROUND

Cyberbullying victimisation is considered a global public health issue concerning the psychological development of adolescents that oftentimes persists into adulthood. The current study explored the longitudinal relationship between cyberbullying victimisation and depression and suicidal ideation among adolescents and young adults, given the scarcity of such studies in poor-resource settings like India.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the "Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults" (UDAYA- 2015-16 and 2018-19) surveys conducted in two most-populated Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis was conducted to fulfil the objectives of the study using a sample of 4428 and 11,864 adolescent (aged 10-19 years) male and female cohorts, respectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cyberbullying victimization increased from 3.8% to 6.4% among female respondents and 1.9% to 5.6% among male respondents over three years. About 33% of females and 16.6% of males had depressive symptoms in their young adulthood. Nearly 7.5% females compared to 2.3% of males, reported that they have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past one year. Adolscents who experienced cyberbullying victimization were 2.07 times more likely to have depressive symptoms comapared to those who did not experience cyberbullying victimization. Similarly, adolescents who experienced cyberbullying victimization were 2.50 times more likely to have suicidal ideation than their counterparts with no experience of cyberbullying victimization.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that cyberbullying victims are at higher risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and these adverse effects persist for longer period. Therefore, cyberbullying and related mental health problems need to be addressed with more efficient strategies such as increased awareness of nuances of online harassments among adolescent and young adult population.

Cybervictimisation and Well-Being during the Outbreak of COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Depression

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to modifying relational habits and increasing Internet use to engage in antisocial behaviours such as cybervictimisation. Additionally, social distancing can reinforce the relationship with internalising behaviours such as depression. Through an adolescent sample, this study examines the relationship between cybervictimisation and well-being and the mediating role of depression. The hypothesis was tested via Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis to verify the role of depression as a mediator between cybervictimisation and well-being. The main results reveal that the effect of cybervictimisation on well-being was fully mediated by depression. The findings should stimulate debate on possible interventions to promote adolescent well-being and to avoid emotional and mental health problems related to social isolation.

The Predictability of Routine Activity Theory for Cyberbullying Victimization Among Children and Youth: Risk and Protective Factors

Cyberbullying has been pervading worldwide with negative implications for victims. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand this phenomenon and the factors that predict it, as the basis for effective prevention and intervention efforts. The current research aims to examine routine activity theory (RAT) as a theoretical framework predictive of cyberbullying victimization (CV) among children and youth. It was hypothesized that each of the RAT measures and the convergence of all measures predict CV. Data were collected from 5,719 primary, middle, and high school Israeli students (51.9% females) during the 2019-2020 school year via online questionnaires. Regression and moderation analyses were conducted to assess the predictability of CV from RAT measures, separately and converged. All RAT measures, separately and converged, predict CV. While off-line trust negatively predicts CV, other control variables, that is, online trust, educational institution phase, and gender, do not. Implications for school programs and guidelines for parents address the risk and protective factors of CV found. This study provides support for the predictability of CV from RAT and expands the knowledge of risk and protective factors predictive of CV.

Understanding the Impact of Deviant Peer Association on Risk for Stimulant/Amphetamine Use: The Moderating Role of Exposure to Violence

Prior research has indicated that deviant peer association is associated with increased risk for stimulant/amphetamine use. However, there remain gaps in our understanding of the context under which this relationship occurs. This study examined two forms of exposure to violence (direct victimization, witnessed violence) as moderators of the relationship between deviant peer association and stimulant/amphetamine use risk. All 11 waves of the Pathways to Desistance longitudinal data were used in analyses. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to estimate relationships of interest while accounting for repeated measures nested within individual participants across time. Findings indicated that greater deviant peer association was associated with greater odds of stimulant/amphetamine use. Experiencing direct victimization significantly moderated this relationship, but in the opposite of the hypothesized direction, with individuals reporting direct victimization also reporting less reactivity to deviant peer association as it pertained to stimulant/amphetamine use. Witnessed violence did not moderate this relationship.

Factors Associated with Cyberbullying Victimisation among Colombian High-School Adolescents

The study's purpose was to examine the prevalence and explore some factors associated with cyberbullying in high-school adolescents at ​​Santa Marta, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was designed, which participated in students between 13 and 17 years. Participants completed the item for being a victim of cyberbullying of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey for high school students designed by the Center for Disease Control of the United States. A total of 1462 students answered the questionnaire (M = 14.4 years, SD = 0.8). 19.6% (n = 287) reported lifetime cyberbullying victimisation. Cyberbullying victimisation was associated with post-traumatic stress disorder risk (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.51-2.79), lifetime cigarette smoking (OR = 1.91, 95%CI 1.42-2.57), female gender (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.25-2.26), family dysfunction (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.18-2.41), and poor-fair health condition (OR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.08-1.95). Being a victim of cyberbullying is frequent among Colombian high-school adolescents. It is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder risk, cigarette smoking, female gender, family dysfunction, and poor-fair general health condition. Longitudinal investigations are needed to measure better the dynamics of cyberbullying and the nature of such associations.

An observational study of Internet behaviours for adolescent females following sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with revictimization and sexual risk-taking behaviours. The Internet has increased the opportunities for teens to access sexually explicit imagery and has provided new avenues for victimization and exploitation. Online URL activity and offline psychosocial factors were assessed for 460 females aged 12-16 (CSA = 156; comparisons = 304) with sexual behaviours and Internet-initiated victimization assessed 2 years later. Females who experienced CSA did not use more pornography than comparisons but were at increased odds of being cyberbullied (odds ratio = 2.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.67-4.81). These females were also more likely to be represented in a high-risk latent profile characterized by heightened URL activity coupled with problematic psychosocial factors, which showed increased odds of being cyberbullied, receiving online sexual solicitations and heightened sexual activity. While Internet activity alone may not confer risk, results indicate a subset of teens who have experienced CSA for whom both online and offline factors contribute to problematic outcomes.

Association between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms in children: The mediating role of self-esteem

BACKGROUND

Bullying victimization is becoming an increasing problem among children. This longitudinal study examined the relation of bullying victimization (both traditional and cyberbullying victimization) to subsequent depressive symptoms and the possible mediating role of self-esteem among children.

METHODS

A total of 4043 Chinese elementary school children in Grades 3 and 4 comprised the sample. Assessments were conducted every six months on five occasions. Latent growth curve modeling was applied to examine the longitudinal relations among the variables.

RESULTS

Results showed that (a) bullying victimization was positively and significantly associated with subsequent depressive symptoms; (b) self-esteem played an important mediating role in the relation between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

The study only considered self-esteem as a mediator. The generalizability of the results should be made cautiously.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the relation between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms among children, suggesting that intervention programs target bullying victimization and self-esteem to reduce the likelihood of depressive symptoms among children.

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.

Cybervictimisation and depressive symptoms among adolescents: A moderated mediation model

Recently, there has been an increase in the problem of cyberbullying all over the world, which implies important negative consequences for adolescent victims’ mental health, such as depression. There are few research studies that analyse the role of gratitude and cognitive coping strategies for the consequences of cybervictimisation. To date, there are few studies examining the influence of both these resources in a cyberbullying context. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to analyse the mediating role of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERS) in the relationship between cybervictimisation and depressive symptoms, and to explore the potential moderating role of gratitude among the study variables. A sample of 1156 students between 12 and 18 years (54.33% females) filled out self-report questionnaires measuring cybervictimisation (ECIPQ), cognitive coping strategies (CERQ-SA), depressive symptoms (DASS-21) and gratitude (GQ-5). The outcomes showed that maladaptive CERS partially mediated the relation between cybervictimisation and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, gratitude buffered the relation between maladaptive CERS and depressive symptoms. These findings provide evidence for the buffering role of gratitude in a more frequent use of maladaptive CERS and depressive symptoms in cybervictimisation. The limitations and implications of the study are discussed.

Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms and Suicidality in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Roles of Bullying Involvement, Frustration Intolerance, and Hostility

This study examined the relationships of cyberbullying and traditional bullying victimization and perpetration, perceived family function, frustration discomfort, and hostility with self-reported depressive symptoms and suicidality in adolescents diagnosed as having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both the self-reported severity of depressive symptoms on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the occurrence of suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt on the suicidality module of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia were assessed in 195 adolescents with ADHD. The adolescents completed the Cyberbullying Experiences Questionnaire, Chinese version of the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire, Frustration–Discomfort Scale, Buss–Durkee Hostility Inventory, and Family APGAR Index. Caregivers completed the ADHD problems component of the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 6–18. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the correlates for each of self-reported depressive symptoms and suicidality. The results showed that after the effects of gender, age, ADHD symptoms, and family function were controlled, greater frustration discomfort and bullying perpetration significantly predicted self-reported depressive symptoms. Being cyberbullying victims and displaying hostility significantly predicted the risk of suicidality. Various types of bullying involvement, frustration intolerance, and hostility significantly predicted self-reported depressive symptoms and suicidality in adolescents with ADHD. By monitoring and intervening in these factors, we can reduce the risk of depression-related problems and suicidality in adolescents with ADHD.

Victimized in many ways: Online and offline bullying/harassment and perceived racial discrimination in diverse racial-ethnic minority adolescents

Objectives: Racial-ethnic minority youth face multiple types of victimization associated with negative developmental outcomes. The present study examined the interplay of youth experiences of online and offline bullying/harassment and racial-ethnic discrimination across three waves. Methods: Racial-ethnic minority adolescents aged 10-19 (N = 735) at Midwest schools were surveyed yearly on Internet usage and experiences, mental well-being, and related risk and protective factors. We analyzed offline and online bullying/harassment, offline and online racial-ethnic discrimination, and time online in an autoregressive cross-lagged panel model. Results: Youth who reported more of one type of victimization also reported more of other victimization types and more time online concurrently. Our results show some (but not consistent) influences over time. Youth who experienced more offline bullying/harassment at wave 1 were more likely to report more wave 2 victimization in another context (online bullying/harassment) and in other content (offline racial-ethnic discrimination), although these associations did not appear in the second wave. Youth who reported more online bullying/harassment at wave 2 also experienced increased risk for offline bullying/harassment at wave 3. Youth who reported more time online were not more likely to experience later victimization, though youth who experienced more wave 1 offline bullying/harassment were more likely to report more next-wave time online. Conclusions: Racial-ethnic minority youth simultaneously and persistently face multiple types of victimization. Offline bullying/harassment interventions may have the added benefit of reducing other forms of victimization down the road, while reducing time online alone is unlikely to protect youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

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.

Bullying Victimization and Developmental Trajectories of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: The Moderating Role of Locus of Control Among Children

This longitudinal study examined the developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as the moderating role of children's locus of control on the relations between traditional and cyberbullying victimization and developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems. A total of 4180 Chinese elementary school students (M_age = 9.90 years) completed measures of bullying victimization (Time 1), locus of control (Time 1), internalizing and externalizing problems (from Time 1 to Time 5, 6-month intervals). Latent growth curve analyses indicated (a) internalizing problems first gradually decreased and then increased across time, whereas externalizing problems decreased slowly and remained steady over time; (b) both traditional and cyberbullying victimization served as risk factors for internalizing and externalizing problems; however, the effects of traditional bullying victimization on internalizing and externalizing problems were stronger than those for cyberbullying victimization; (c) locus of control moderated the relations between traditional bullying victimization and developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing problems. Consistent with cognitive diathesis-stress models, children who experienced higher levels of traditional bullying victimization and reported an external locus of control were more likely to experience internalizing and externalizing problems. This study also identified meaningful gender differences. Implications for the prevention of behavior problems were discussed.

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.

Cybervictimization, Self-Concept, Aggressiveness, and School Anxiety in School Children: A Structural Equations Analysis

The rapid increase in cases of cybervictimization amongst children has led researchers to examine the psychoemotional factors related to cyberbullying behavior, in an attempt to prevent and minimize its impact. The objective of this study was to establish and contrast the fit of an explanatory model on cybervictimization based on its relationship with self-concept, aggressiveness, and school anxiety using a structural equations analysis. A total of 542 Spanish students aged 10-12 (M age = 10.97; SD = 0.74) completed a battery of questionnaires. An adjusted structural equations model was obtained (χ² = 512.23; df = 99; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.928; NFI = 0.91; IFI = 0.928; RMSEA = 0.078). A direct and negative relationship was obtained between cybervictimization and self-concept and between cybervictimization and school anxiety. In addition, a direct and positive relationship was found between aggressiveness and self-concept and between aggressiveness and school anxiety. Indirect relationships were not found between the variables. The study's findings demonstrate that the variables of self-concept and school anxiety are directly related to cybervictimization and that the improved psychoemotional adjustment of the youngest students may help to prevent the risk of being victimized over the Internet.

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.

Sport participation moderates association between bullying and depressive symptoms in Italian adolescents

BACKGROUND

A high rate of bullying episodes has been reported in Italian schools, as well as its association with psychopathology in adolescents. However, information regarding moderators of this interaction are still lacking. This study explored whether gender, exercise frequency, and sport participation exerted a protective effect on the association between bullying and depressive symptoms in Italian students.

METHODS

Researchers obtained data from 4,829 Italian youth ages 13 to 21 using the self-report Epidemiologia dell'Infortunistica Stradale survey (EDIT) developed by the Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Italy. Three structural equation models were run to assess moderators of the association between bullying and depressive symptoms. Moderators examined in the models included gender, exercise frequency, and sport participation.

RESULTS

The association between bullying and depressive symptoms was stronger for females (B=0.95, SE=0.04, p< .001) than for males (B=0.45, SE=0.00, p< .001) and for students who did not play sports (B=0.74, SE=0.09, p< .001) than for those who played sports (B=0.61, SE=0.06, p< .001). Females may be more affected by the depressive effects of bullying than males.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in sports buffers against the effects of bullying and may prove a helpful strategy for increasing exercise, positive peer interactions, and mood in adolescents.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional nature of the study, the possible role of BMI as a confounding factor and the use of a not widely used measure of depression.

Risky cyber behaviors in adolescents with depression: A case control study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy adolescents with regard to cyberbullying, cyber victimization, internet addiction, and digital game addiction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed in Selçuk University Hospital. The study sample consisted of 34 adolescents with MDD and 39 controls without any psychopathology. A socio-demographic data form, the Cyber bullying Scale (CBS), Cyber Victimization Scale (CVS), Cyber bullying Sensibility Scale (CBSS), Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), Digital Game Dependence Scale (DGA-7), and Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale-Refurbished (RCADS) were administered to all participants.

RESULTS

CBS, CVS, IAS and DGAS-7 scores of the MDD group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The significant differences persisted even after controlling for confounding factors such as age, gender, socio-economic level, and parental educational levels with MANCOVA. A strong positive correlation existed between CBS and CVS scores, and higher IAS scores were associated with higher CBS scores in the MDD group. CBSS scores negatively correlated with DGAS-7 scores in the MDD group.

LIMITATIONS

Due to the cross-sectional design of this study, conclusions about causality remain speculative.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the importance of assessing problems related to the online environment in the presence of depression in adolescents. Our results suggested that evaluating the use of technology with a view to the potential for cyber bullying and cyber victimization as well as internet addiction and addiction to digital games may be necessary as a holistic approach in the follow-up of adolescent depression.

Social media use and depression in adolescents: a scoping review

There have been increases in adolescent depression and suicidal behaviour over the last two decades that coincide with the advent of social media (SM) (platforms that allow communication via digital media), which is widely used among adolescents. This scoping review examined the bi-directional association between the use of SM, specifically social networking sites (SNS), and depression and suicidality among adolescents. The studies reviewed yielded four main themes in SM use through thematic analysis: quantity of SM use, quality of SM use, social aspects associated with SM use, and disclosure of mental health symptoms. Research in this field would benefit from use of longitudinal designs, objective and timely measures of SM use, research on the mechanisms of the association between SM use and depression and suicidality, and research in clinical populations to inform clinical practice.

What Counts?: A Qualitative Study of Adolescents' Lived Experience With Online Victimization and Cyberbullying

OBJECTIVE

To inform development of cyberbullying interventions that are both accurate and meaningful to all adolescents, this qualitative analysis examines experiences of online peer victimization among a sample of predominately minority and low-income youth.

METHODS

Adolescents ages 13 to 17 years who reported past-year cyberbullying on a previously validated survey were recruited from an urban pediatric clinic to complete semistructured interviews. Interview topics included definitions of cyberbullying, prior cyberbullying experiences, and strategies to reduce cyberbullying and its consequences. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using thematic analysis, study team members applied both structural and emergent codes to transcripts.

RESULTS

Saturation was reached after 23 interviews (mean age 14.8 years; 65% female, 47.8% Hispanic, 35% Black, 74% low socioeconomic status). Four main themes emerged: 1) Teens avoided the term "cyberbullying," due to its association with suicidality and severe depression; they preferentially described experiences (even those meeting criteria for repetition, power differential, etc.) as "online conflict". 2) In-person bullying categories (bully, victim, bully victim, bystander) apply to online conflict. Few identify purely as victims. 3) Cyberbullying is part of a larger continuum of peer violence, including physical fights and in-person bullying. 4) Teens want to help victims of cyberbullying; they desire more guidance in so doing.

CONCLUSIONS

These youth rarely acknowledge presence of cyberbullying; instead, they describe online conflict as part of a larger spectrum of peer violence. Clinicians may consider prevention of a range of conflict-related behaviors (rather than focusing exclusively on cyberbullying), and may consider engaging adolescent bystanders in prevention of online conflict.

Victimization Experiences and Mental Health Outcomes Among Grades 7 to 12 Students in Manitoba, Canada

Victimization experiences, including traditional forms of bullying, discriminatory harassment, and cyber victimization, are associated with numerous detrimental consequences in adolescence and over the life course. The objective of the current study was to understand the relationships between nine experiences of victimization and mental health outcomes among students in grades 7 to 12 in Manitoba, Canada. Data were drawn from the 2012-2013 Manitoba Youth Health Survey (N = 64,174; response rate = 67%). Mental health outcomes included mental health functioning and emotional well-being, and feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The prevalence of moderate/languishing mental health functioning and emotional well-being ranged from 35.2% (boys in grades 7 to 9) to 51.0% (girls in grades 10 to 12). The prevalence of feeling sad and hopeless ranged from 31.4% (boys in grades 7 to 9) to 57.7% (girls in grades 10 to 12). All nine victimization types were associated with increased odds of having moderate/languishing mental health functioning and emotional well-being and feeling sad and hopeless for both boys and girls in grades 7 to 9 and 10 to 12, although some gender and grade differences were noted. A dose-response trend was found with increased odds of moderate/languishing mental health functioning and emotional well-being corresponding with increased frequency of being victimized. A similar trend was noted for girls only for feeling sad and hopeless. Effective prevention and intervention strategies targeting boys and girls and across grades 7 to 12 are needed to improve mental health functioning and emotional well-being, and reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness among adolescents with victimization experiences.

The impact of startle reactivity to unpredictable threat on the relation between bullying victimization and internalizing psychopathology

BACKGROUND

Being bullied has detrimental effects on mental health functioning. Individuals who are highly reactive to unpredictable threats (U-threat) may be particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of being bullied. For them, persistent, unpredictable bullying likely elicits chronic anticipatory anxiety and depression. The aim of the present study was to examine the main and interactive effects of aversive reactivity to U-threat and past-year bullying victimization on current anxiety and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Seventy-one young adults (ages 17-19) completed a well-validated threat-of-shock task used to probe reactivity to both U-threat and predictable threat (P-threat). Startle eyeblink potentiation was recorded to index aversive responding.

RESULTS

We found a main effect of bullying, such that individuals with more bullying experience exhibited greater anxiety and depressive symptoms than individuals with less bullying experience. There was also a bullying by U-threat reactivity interaction such that among individuals with high reactivity to U-threat, more bullying experience was associated with more anxiety and depressive symptoms. Among individuals with low U-threat reactivity, there was no association between bullying and internalizing symptoms. There were no main or interactive effects involving reactivity to P-threat.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results suggest that among individuals who are bullied, those who are sensitive to U-threat are particularly vulnerable to depression and anxiety in young adulthood. These individuals may represent a high-risk group for the development of internalizing psychopathology.

Internalizing Symptoms and Externalizing Problems: Risk Factors for or Consequences of Cyber Victimization?

Experiences of traditional victimization often co-occur with cyber victimization in adolescence but are not always controlled for when considering how cyber victimization is uniquely related to internalizing and externalizing symptoms. This is particularly problematic in longitudinal studies that attempt to determine the longitudinal associations between cyber victimization and internalizing symptoms, and between cyber victimization and externalizing problems and how these patterns may differ for adolescent boys and girls. In the current study, traditional victimization was controlled to examine the longitudinal sequences of association between cyber victimization and internalizing symptoms, and between cyber victimization and externalizing problems for adolescent boys and girls. Participants included 510 seventh and tenth grade students (M_age = 13.7, 61.6% girls, 44% Asian and 30% White) who completed surveys across three academic years in middle and high school. Findings from longitudinal path models suggest that internalizing symptoms and externalizing problems respectively were associated with increases in experiences of cyber victimization (beyond the effect of traditional victimization) both within and across time, particularly for adolescent girls. Efforts to address adolescents' experiences of cyber victimization must consider the vulnerabilities created by adolescents' continued internalizing symptoms and externalizing problems that may differ for boys and girls. Implications for cyber victimization prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.

Effects of Cyberbullying and Cybervictimization on Early Adolescents' Mental Health: Differential Mediating Roles of Perceived Peer Relationship Stress

The purpose of this study was to examine the differential mediational roles of perceived peer relationship stress (PPRS) in accounting for the association between cyberbullying (CB) and cybervictimization (CV) and mental health among early adolescents in cross-sectional data and longitudinal data, respectively. A total of 606 early adolescents completed questionnaires as part of a 3-year longitudinal study on three occasions at 1-year intervals. Structural equation modeling revealed that (1) compared to CB, CV showed a stronger relationship with mental health. (2) In contrast to its role in CV, PPRS did not mediate the link between mental health and CB in both cross-sectional and longitudinal models. PPRS mediated the relationship between CV and mental health in both cross-sectional and longitudinal models. Limitations and practical applications of the study were discussed.

The Online Social Support Scale: Measure development and validation

A new measure, the Online Social Support Scale, was developed based on previous theory, research, and measurement of in-person social support. It includes four subscales: Esteem/Emotional Support, Social Companionship, Informational Support, and Instrumental Support. In college and community samples, factor analytic and item response theory results suggest that subtypes of in-person social support also pertain in the online world. Evidence of reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity provide excellent psychometric support for the measure. Construct validity accrues to the measure vis-à-vis support for three hypotheses: (a) Various broad types of Internet platforms for social interactions are differentially associated with online social support and online victimization; (b) similar to in-person social support, online social support offsets the adverse effect of negative life events on self-esteem and depression-related outcome; and (c) online social support counteracts the effects of online victimization in much the same way that in-person friends in one social niche counterbalance rejection in other social niches. (PsycINFO Database Record

Cyberbullying and Internalizing Difficulties among Indigenous Adolescents in Canada: Beyond the Effect of Traditional Bullying

Most research on bullying and cyberbullying has focused on dominant populations. In particular, inquiries into Indigenous adolescents' involvement in bullying and cyberbullying are scarce. The present study examines the relationship between bullying and cyberbullying involvement and self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress among a sample of 170 Indigenous adolescents (54% female; M age = 15.2 years). Controlling for age and gender, the results of a series of hierarchical multiple regression models indicate that cyberbullying victimization uniquely contributes to self-reported anxiety and stress among Indigenous adolescents, beyond the contribution of traditional bullying victimization. The implications of these findings are discussed.