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Is cyberhate victimization associated with suicidality and somatization in adolescence? Evidence from a four-wave
Susett Naranjo-Pou1, Raquel Espejo-Siles1, Izabela Zych1
1Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, Avda. San Alberto Magno s/n, 14004, Cordoba, Spain.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Cyberhate victimization is linked to adolescent mental health issues like suicidality. Early adolescence, particularly ages 12-13, may be a sensitive period for these cyberhate effects.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent mental health
- Cyberpsychology
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Cyberhate victimization is an emerging risk factor for adolescent mental health.
- Longitudinal evidence on cyberhate's impact is limited.
- Understanding cyberhate's role in mental health is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine prospective associations between cyberhate victimization, suicidality, and somatization in adolescents.
- To identify potential sensitive periods for cyberhate's impact on mental health.
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between cyberhate and adolescent mental health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 3493 Spanish adolescents over four annual waves.
- Methodological triangulation using linear regressions, propensity scores, and cross-lagged panel models.
- Analysis focused on associations between cyberhate victimization, suicidality, and somatization.
Main Results:
- Cyberhate victimization predicted increased suicidality and somatization in subsequent waves via regression.
- Cross-lagged panel models indicated cyberhate at age 12 predicted mental health issues at age 13, suggesting a sensitive period.
- Some analytical approaches did not fully converge, and unadjusted associations may overestimate effects.
Conclusions:
- The period between ages 12-13 may be a sensitive window for cyberhate's impact on adolescent mental health.
- Findings suggest careful interpretation of unadjusted associations in cyberhate research.
- Early adolescent interventions targeting cyberhate are recommended, especially during the transition to secondary education.
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