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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.
Abstract:
Cyberhate victimization is an emerging risk factor for adolescent mental health, yet longitudinal evidence remains limited. This study examined prospective associations between cyberhate victimization, suicidality, and somatization in 3493 Spanish adolescents (49.0% girls; Mage = 12.06) followed up across four annual waves. Methodological triangulation combined linear regressions, covariate-balancing generalized propensity scores, and random-intercept cross-lagged panel models. Regressions showed cyberhate victimization predicted greater suicidality and somatization at all subsequent waves. The random-intercept cross-lagged panel model revealed that only cyberhate victimization at age 12 predicted greater suicidality and somatization at age 13, suggesting a sensitive period. No other significant associations were found through other analyses, and analytical approach did not fully converged. Findings suggest that unadjusted associations may overestimate the true impact of cyberhate, and age 12-13 emerged as a potential sensitive period that warrants further investigation. Preventive interventions should target early adolescents transitioning to secondary education.
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