Cyber-Victimization and Its Effect on Depression in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The difference in participants’ characteristics between samples and the inconsistency in the methodology have led to variability in both direction and magnitude of association between cyber-victimization and depression in adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the relationship between cyber-victimization and depression in adolescents. Primary studies on cyber-victimization and depression among adolescents (10–19 years of age based on WHO definition) on PubMed and EMBASE databases were included. The forward and backward snowballing searching method was also used to explore more publications. The main effect estimate extracted from eligible studies was the odds ratio which was synthesized based on the random-effect model. The protocol of this study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42020185700). Among 1,008 research articles identified, 17 were eligible which comprised a total sample of 79,202 adolescents. The odds of depression among cyber-victims was almost three-fold higher (OR = 2.73; 95% CI 2.25–3.31) compared to non–cyber-victims. The overall effect estimate remained positive irrespective of differences in sample and method characteristics (study location, female percentage, sampling procedures, the use of single vs. multiple items, and elaboration of cyber-bullying definition). The presence of traditional bullying items was found to be important moderator of this relationship. However, none of the anticipated moderators had a clear impact on this relationship. Moreover, absence of publication bias was confirmed. This study confirms findings from the literature about the significant association between cyber-victimization and depression in adolescents across settings and populations. More efforts should be made to address this issue rigorously and to a greater extent.

Cybervictimization and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese adolescents: The effect of depression and school connectedness

“…However, because of the fast development of network technology, interpersonal conflicts on the network are not limited by space or time, which might be more harmful to adolescents' mental health ( 61 ). Adolescents who experience cybervictimization, as an example of poor interpersonal relationships, may be at risk for depressive symptoms ( 62 , 63 ). Adolescents may use NSSI to avoid experiencing such negative emotions ( 27 , 56 ), in accordance with the NSSI's emotion regulation theory ( 1 ).…”

Loneliness mediates the association of minority stress and depression in sexual and gender minority populations in Thailand

“…The extant literature on victimization and depression is mixed. For example, several prior studies have reported significant associations between victimization and depressive symptomatology (Hatchel et al, 2019; T. L. Hughes et al, 2014; Tran et al, 2021). Our results were in line with a prior study reporting victimization and being attacked due to LGB identity were not significantly correlated with depressive symptoms (Ramirez & Paz Galupo, 2019).…”

Onset risk factors for youth involvement in cyberbullying and cybervictimization: A longitudinal study

“…Cybervictims, on the other hand, have similarly reported several self-rated poor mental health (Sampasa-Kanyinga et al, 2020 ) and psychological symptoms (Yang et al, 2021 ); examples of negative psychological consequences include depression (Eyuboglu et al, 2021 ; Hu et al, 2021 ; Tran et al, 2021 ), post-traumatic stress symptoms (Baldry et al, 2019 ), anxiety, and psychosocial difficulties (Eyuboglu et al, 2021 ). John et al ( 2018 ), in their systematic review of 33 studies, reported that cybervictims are, respectively, 2.35, 2.15, and 2.57 times more at risk when compared with non-cybervictims of self-injurious behaviors, suicidal ideation, and attempts of suicide.…”