Anxiety and Depression from Cybervictimization in Adolescents: A Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Study

Abstract

Background/Objective: Cyberbullying is one of the social problems of most concern in educational spheres, especially in adolescence, where victimization experiences have been associated with episodes of anxiety and depression. The aim of this work was to analyze the relationship between cybervictimization, anxiety and depression in adolescence in a metaanalysis and identify the moderating variables that could help to explain the various correlations. Method: A search for crosssectional studies was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Of the 156 studies identified, finally 13 met inclusion criteria, with a total of 7,348 participants. Results: The results show statistically significant correlations between cybervictimization and anxiety (r = .31) and cybervictimization and depression (r = .28), with moderate-to-large effect sizes. The meta-regression analysis showed that the percentage of women and continent are moderating variables in the relationship between cybervictimization with depression and anxiety. Conclusions: In conclusion, misuse of the new information and communication technologies can lead to psychological and social maladjustment of individuals, with negative repercussions on their development.