Assessing the Links of Sexting, Cybervictimization, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation Among University Students

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to analyze the direct and indirect relationships among sexting, cybervictimization, depression, and suicidal ideation. The sample consisted of 303 university students from Mexico (mean age = 19.73, SD = 1.73) who completed a questionnaire about the variables of interest. The relationships among the variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results show that sexting was associated with being the victim of cyberbullying, which, in turn, was related to depressive symptoms. In addition, sexting, cybervictimization, and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. These results contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between online risk behaviors, such as sexting, and their possible negative consequences, such as cybervictimization, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Interacción entre el uso y la adicción a las redes sociales y teléfonos móviles entre estudiantes universitarios

“…Although there is still debate on whether the problematic use of social media should be included as a disorder associated to addiction and its psychopathological meaning [15] [17], there is scientific evidence that supports the presence of symptoms related to addiction [25]. Although the popularity of the use of social media increases significantly, risk factors also increase, also increasing unhealthy use and considering it a current public health problem [29] [48] [49]. Therefore, it is important to continue developing research, differentiating between addictive behavior and use of social media, and deepening the understanding of the characteristics that make up these behaviors.…”

Conducta de sexting en adolescentes: predictores de personalidad y consecuencias psicosociales en un año de seguimiento

“…Some researchers have considered the emotional well-being of adolescents who engage in sexting, with somewhat inconsistent findings. Thus, some studies have emphasized the relationship between sexting, depression, anxiety and suicide attempts (Jasso-Medrano, López-Rosales & Gámez-Guadix, 2018;Van Ouytsel, Van Gool, Ponnet & Walrave, 2014). But other researchers have failed to find any associations with psychological well-being (Hudson, 2011).…”

“…As for the psychosocial consequences of sexting, once again, the lack of past longitudinal studies prevents a well-established hypothesis. However, it is expected that adolescents who engage in sexting will have a greater probability of victimization and cybervictimization, given that some results from cross-sectional studies suggest the potential risk of cybervictimization in adolescents engaging in sexting behaviour, as the sexual images sent to others might be used against them (Jasso-Medrano et al, 2018). Furthermore, sexting may decrease the emotional well-being of adolescents, as suggested by prior cross sectional studies reporting that higher levels of anxiety and depression are associated with sexting behaviour (Drouin & Landgraff, 2012;.…”

Cyberbullying in the University Setting. Relationship With Emotional Problems and Adaptation to the University

“…On the other hand, regarding the relationship between cyberbullying and emotional problems (anxiety, depression and stress), a considerable number of empirical studies have found high rates of these problems in cyberbullying victims. So, the majority of studies have suggested that these students display high levels of anxiety, depression, stress, low self-concept, powerlessness, somatization, loneliness, anger, sleep disorders, concentration problems low academic performance, and absenteeism (Schenk and Fremouw, 2012;Faucher et al, 2014;Giménez et al, 2015;Na et al, 2015;Aricak and Ozbay, 2016), and even suicidal ideation (Hinduja and Patchin, 2010;Schenk and Fremouw, 2012;Jasso et al, 2018) as a result of being a victim of bullying, humiliation, harassment, etc., while the bullies display externalizing behaviors, low empathy, aggressive behavior, drug abuse and truancy (Hinduja and Patchin, 2007;Aricak, 2009), as well as anxiety, depression, psychosomatic symptoms, and suicide (Nansel et al, 2001(Nansel et al, , 2003Seals and Young, 2003). Thus, in the university setting, emotional problems may be found in a high percentage of cases, without necessarily being associated with cyberbullying, although being a cyberbullying victim or aggressor may lead to the development of high levels of anxiety, depression and stress in students, establishing complex relations between these constructs.…”