Peer Cybervictimization Among Adolescents and the Associated Internalizing and Externalizing Problems: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Numerous adolescents in the United States experience peer cybervictimization, which is associated with a series of internalizing (e.g., depression, anxiety, anger) and externalizing (e.g., aggression, substance use, risky sexual behavior) problems. The current study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research on these relationships. Included in the meta-analyses are 239 effect sizes from 55 reports, representing responses from 257,678 adolescents. The results of a series of random effects meta-analyses using robust variance estimation indicated positive and significant relationships between peer cybervictimization and a series of internalizing and externalizing problems, with point estimates of this relationship ranging from Pearson's r = .14 to .34. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

“…Specific online peer experiences have been identified in prior work as potential risk factors for mental health concerns. Cybervictimization, or the experience of being a victim of bullying by peers online, has been consistently found to be associated with higher rates of self-harm and suicidal behavior [14], as well as internalizing and externalizing problems [15]. Other types of social media peer experiences, such as social exclusion and online conflict or drama [16], also may put youth at risk.…”

Victimization Experiences and Mental Health Outcomes Among Grades 7 to 12 Students in Manitoba, Canada

“…As mentioned, bullying research often includes general or global assessments of any bullying or is limited to more traditional forms of face-toface bullying experiences such as being physically taunted or ridiculed based on intentionality, repetition, and power imbalances (Gladden et al 2014;Olweus 1993;Solberg et al 2007). More recent research has begun to examine less traditional forms of victimization including cyberbullying (Fahy et al 2016;Fisher et al 2016;Hill et al 2017;Litwiller and Brausch 2013;Merrill and Hanson 2016) and forms of discriminatory harassment based on body composition, sexual identity and orientation, and race and ethnicity (Bucchianeri et al 2014;Carey et al 2018;Goebert et al 2011;Johns et al 2017;Juvonen and Graham 2014;Kahle and Peguero 2017;Mustanski et al 2016;Puhl et al 2016). However, there remains a dearth of research that has examined multiple individual types of victimization related to poor mental health outcomes in adolescence.…”

The Hierarchical Implications of Internet Gaming Disorder Criteria: Which Indicate more Severe Pathology?

“…Krueger previously suggested two factors for mental disorders; internalizing and externalizing 23. Many researches adopted this concept of clustered correlated syndromes that grouped depression and anxiety disorders into internalizing and grouping ADHD, antisocial, conduct disorders or substance disorders as externalizing behavioral problems 24252627. Therefore, we further bisected the psychiatric comorbidities into internalizing (depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders) and externalizing (ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder and tic disorder) group.…”