Longitudinal associations between cybervictimization, generalized problematic internet use, anxiety, and depression:...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Health
• Digital Well-being

Background:

• Longitudinal studies show links between cyberbullying, problematic internet use, anxiety, and depression.
• The interrelationship of these factors, especially cybervictimization, needs further exploration in adolescents.
• Understanding online risks and psychosocial distress dynamics is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze the stability (autoregressive behavior) of cybervictimization, Generalized Problematic Internet Use (GPIU), depression, and anxiety.
• Examine the longitudinal associations and temporal relationships between these four dimensions.
• Investigate the role of cybervictimization in the interplay between online risks and mental health.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study with 1,640 Spanish students (mean age 13.90).
• Two measurements conducted 6 months apart.
• Cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) used to analyze temporal relationships.

Main Results:

• Significant autoregressive effects indicate stability in cybervictimization, GPIU, depression, and anxiety.
• Cybervictimization at W1 predicted higher GPIU at W2.
• Anxiety at W1 predicted depression at W2, and depression at W1 predicted cybervictimization and anxiety at W2.

Conclusions:

• Cybervictimization, GPIU, anxiety, and depression exhibit stability over time in adolescents.
• Bidirectional relationships exist, with depression and anxiety influencing subsequent cybervictimization and distress.
• Digital literacy is vital for preventing internet-related risks and addressing mental health concerns in youth.