The Mediating Role of Depression in the Relationship Between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Cyberbullying Perpetration

Abstract

Preliminary evidence suggests that psychopathological factors (e.g., depression) are associated with higher engagement in cyberbullying perpetration, and those with elevated body image dissatisfaction (BID) are more susceptible to depression. However, the possible impact of body image dissatisfaction (BID) on cyberbullying remains untested. The present study examined the direct and indirect relationships of BID with cyberbullying via depression among a sample of 507 university students (mean age, 21.37 years; range 18-44 years). t tests showed that males had a higher prevalence of cyberbullying than females. Structural equation modeling indicated that BID was directly and indirectly associated with cyberbullying via depression among the total sample and males. However, BID was only indirectly related to cyberbullying via depression among females. Depression fully explained the relationship between BID and cyberbullying among females, although there were additional mediating factors between BID and cyberbullying among males. The findings are in accordance with theoretical models suggesting that individuals' personal characteristics including psychopathological factors are associated with cyberbullying. Furthermore, males attempt to cope with their body image-related psychopathology with more externalizing behaviors than females.

Perceived Challenges and Online Harms from Social Media Use on a Severity Continuum: A Qualitative Psychological Stakeholder Perspective

“…There is a consistent relationship across studies between cyberbullying and depression among children and adolescents [ 30 , 181 ]. Short sleep duration has been associated with increased digital time among adolescents [ 35 ] and social media overuse with poor sleep outcomes: (i) sleep disruption (melatonin suppression) and desynchronization of body clock–hormone imbalance and brain inflammation and lower levels of deep sleep, (ii) desensitization of the brain reward system (reward, focus and motivation), and (iii) exposure to light at night has also been associated with risk of depression [ 28 , 182 , 183 ].…”

The influence of family incivility on cyberbullying perpetration: A moderated mediation model

“…A six-year longitudinal study indicated that negative mental factors positively predicted cyberbullying perpetration ( You and Lim, 2016 ). Several studies have also confirmed a significant correlation between negative emotions and cyberbullying perpetration ( Balta et al, 2020 ; Schodt et al, 2021 ). Accordingly, the following hypothesis is proposed:…”

Exploring The Characteristics of Cyberbullied TikTokers Based on Their Ethnicity

“…Internet addiction is positively correlated with stress and cyberbullying (Chu, 2023). Cyberbullying also is moderately correlated with depression (Balta et al, 2020;AlQaderi et al, 2023). Excessive social media consumption can also negatively impact a consumer's body image.…”

“…Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is related to both depression and cyberbullying (Balta et al, 2020). A total of 33% of participants in the Schlüter (2023) explorative study found that there are similarities between cyberbullying and body shaming.…”