Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
Bullying victimization and depressive symptoms among left-behind children: a moderated mediation model involving
Qi Li1, Gexuan Wang2, Jiannan Zheng3
1School of Physical Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to examine the mediating role of Internet Addiction in the association between bullying victimization and Depressive Symptoms among left-behind children, as well as the moderating role of physical activity in this relationship.
Methods:
A cross-sectional design was adopted. A total of 21,689 left-behind children were recruited using stratified random sampling. A moderated mediation model was constructed within the generalized linear model framework. Conditional indirect effects and the probability scale were further used to analyze the relationships among bullying victimization, Internet Addiction, physical activity, and Depressive Symptoms in left-behind children.
Results:
After controlling for confounding factors, bullying victimization significantly predicted Depressive Symptoms among left-behind children (B = 1.179, p < 0.001). Internet Addiction partially mediated the association between bullying victimization and Depressive Symptoms. Specifically, bullying victimization significantly predicted Internet Addiction among left-behind children (B = 1.041, p < 0.001), and Internet Addiction significantly predicted Depressive Symptoms (B = 1.218, p < 0.001). Moreover, physical activity significantly moderated the association between bullying victimization and Internet Addiction (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Among left-behind children, bullying victimization may increase the risk of Depressive Symptoms partly by triggering Internet Addiction, while physical activity may buffer the association between bullying victimization and Internet Addiction.
Related Concept Videos
Bullying
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
