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

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious 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. ObjectiveThis 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 settingA 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. MethodParticipants completed measures of cyberbullying victimization, NSSI, EMS, depression, and mindfulness facets. Mediational models moderated by facets of mindfulness were tested. ResultsCyberbullying 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. ConclusionsCybervictimization 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.