The Impact of Remote Recruitment and Intervention on Adolescents At-Risk for Cybervictimization

Abstract

Background Although online recruitment is increasingly used for studies, the representativeness of populations recruited this way is largely unknown. This study, completed prior to COVID-19, compares the reach and representativeness of recruitment for an adolescent cybervictimization intervention using in-person versus online methods. Methods In Study A, English-speaking adolescents ages 13-17 were recruited in-person at a hospital-based pediatric clinic to participate in a hybrid cybervictimization intervention program (N=38). In a separate, subsequent study (Study B), adolescents of the same age were recruited remotely via Instagram advertisements to participate in a fully online cybervictimization program (N=79). Screening, 8-week post-enrollment, and 16-week post-enrollment surveys consisted of validated measures divided into four sub-groups (Demographics, At-Risk Factors, Support Factors, and User Experience). Statistical analyses were performed using R Results Chi-square tests revealed participants were not significantly different for six of 10 demographic measures. Study B participants were underrepresented in low socioeconomic status, Hispanic identity, and non-white race. However, significantly more remote participants identified as non-heterosexual, an identity associated with notably increased risk for cyberbullying. T-tests revealed participants in Study B demonstrated significantly more risky behavior for eight of 12 measures. By 16-week follow up, all risky behavior measures were not significantly different between the two groups, largely due to decreasing reported risk in Study B participants following intervention. Participants in both studies were not significantly different for two of three Support measures. However, Study A subjects reported significantly less perceived social support, the only non-demographic measure in which those recruited in-person exhibited more risk for cybervictimization. User experience was not significantly different between cohorts. Discussion Results of this study demonstrate remote methodology enhances access to at-risk adolescents without compromising the success of the subsequent intervention. Conclusion Findings should serve as evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of remote recruitment and a call to action for further cyberbullying intervention research.