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Relational Victimization, Depressive Symptoms, and E-cigarette Use Intentions Among Adolescents: A Parallel Process
Yoshito Kawabata1, Francis Dalisay2, Veronica C Basilio3
1College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Guam, UOG Station, Mangilao, GU, 96923, Guam. kawabatay@triton.uog.edu.
Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Adolescent relational victimization is linked to depressive symptoms and increased e-cigarette use intentions, particularly over time. Girls reported higher victimization and depression but not different e-cigarette intentions than boys.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Mental Health
- Substance Use Prevention
Background:
- Relational victimization is a significant stressor for adolescents.
- Depressive symptoms are common among adolescents and linked to risk-taking behaviors.
- E-cigarette use is a growing concern among youth globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine longitudinal associations between relational victimization, depressive symptoms, and e-cigarette use intentions in Guam adolescents.
- To explore potential gender differences in these relationships.
- To inform prevention and intervention strategies in Pacific Island communities.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study using three waves of survey data from 528 public middle school students in Guam.
- Parallel process growth curve modeling to analyze associations.
- Exploration of mediation and moderation effects, including gender differences.
Main Results:
- Higher relational victimization was associated with more depressive symptoms, which in turn were linked to stronger e-cigarette use intentions.
- Relational victimization did not directly predict e-cigarette use intentions.
- Changes in relational victimization over time were associated with changes in e-cigarette use intentions, without significant mediation by depressive symptoms or gender differences.
Conclusions:
- Relational victimization and depressive symptoms are key factors associated with e-cigarette use intentions among adolescents in Guam.
- Interventions should address relational victimization and mental health to prevent adolescent e-cigarette use.
- Further research is needed to understand unique cultural contexts in the Pacific Islands.
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