Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective To explore distinctive links between specific depressive symptoms (e.g., anhedonia, ineffectiveness, interpersonal problems, negative mood, and negative self-esteem) and cyberbullying victimization (CBV). Methods This cross-sectional study collected data from 268 adolescents between the ages of 13 to 15 years-old (50.7% female) who responded to the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and to the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory (RCBI). Results CBV was positively associated with all CDI’s domains (anhedonia, ineffectiveness, interpersonal problems, negative mood, and negative self-esteem). Demographics – such as age and gender – were not significant in explaining CBV. However, ineffectiveness (B = .46, p = .04) and negative mood (B = .37, p < .05) significantly predicted CBV. Conclusion This study reports the first Brazilian examination of the links existing between CBV and specific types of depressive symptoms. Data reinforce the negative impact of cyberbullying experiences on youth’s mental health, highlighting stronger associations between negative mood and CBV, which could inform more tailored interventions.
Highlights
Cyberbullying (CB) is an intentional, aggressive type of behavior that occur in technology-based interactions
In Brazil, a recent study with 669 adolescents indicated that 1.9% were victims of cyberbullying in the past six months; traditional bullying was associated with CBV2
An independent association between cyberbullying victimization (CBV) and depression over and above traditional bullying has been reported[4], which indicates that this type of aggressive behavior has unique features and must be appropriately taken into account by mental health professionals
Summary
Cyberbullying (CB) is an intentional, aggressive type of behavior that occur in technology-based interactions. Research on CB has flourished since early 2000’s, attempting to identify risk factors associated with CB and use them as evidence to support healthful usage of information and communications technologies (ICT)[1,2]. There seems to be higher prevalence of cyberbullying victimization (CBV) rather than cyberbullying perpetration. In Brazil, a recent study with 669 adolescents indicated that 1.9% were victims of cyberbullying in the past six months; traditional bullying was associated with CBV2. An independent association between CBV and depression over and above traditional bullying has been reported[4], which indicates that this type of aggressive behavior has unique features and must be appropriately taken into account by mental health professionals
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