Abstract

This study investigated the relations between sexual orientation, cyber victimization, and depressive symptoms in college students. Study aims were to determine whether sexual minority college students are at greater risk for cyber victimization and to examine whether recent cyber victimization (self-reported cyber victimization over the last 30 days) predicts depressive symptoms beyond traditional victimization and perceptions of high school cyber victimization. Findings from 634 college students (ages 18–22) across 25 U.S. states demonstrated significant relations between sexual minority status, particularly homosexual identification, and cyber victimization. The highest levels of depressive symptoms were reported by participants with high levels of both high school and recent cyber victimization and participants who reported high levels of both recent traditional victimization and recent cyber victimization. Findings should be used as a foundation for interventions geared to the sexual minority population.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call