ABSTRACT
Objective
To explore distinctive links between specific depressive symptoms (e.g., anhedonia, ineffectiveness, interpersonal problems, negative mood, and negative self-esteem) and cyberbullying victimization (CBV).
Methods
This cross-sectional study collected data from 268 adolescents between the ages of 13 to 15 years-old (50.7% female) who responded to the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and to the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory (RCBI).
Results
CBV was positively associated with all CDI’s domains (anhedonia, ineffectiveness, interpersonal problems, negative mood, and negative self-esteem). Demographics – such as age and gender – were not significant in explaining CBV. However, ineffectiveness (B = .46, p = .04) and negative mood (B = .37, p < .05) significantly predicted CBV.
Conclusion
This study reports the first Brazilian examination of the links existing between CBV and specific types of depressive symptoms. Data reinforce the negative impact of cyberbullying experiences on youth’s mental health, highlighting stronger associations between negative mood and CBV, which could inform more tailored interventions.
Adolescent psychiatry; depressive symptoms; cyberbullying; violence