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ThesisCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Dissertation
Investigating the psychological and neurobiological impacts of appearance-related cyberbullying among adolescent females
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00985
Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection
Abstract
This thesis aimed to investigate the psychological and neurobiological underpinnings of appearance-related cyberbullying (ARC) among adolescent females. Adolescence represents a critical period of neurobiological and psychosocial development, marked by heightened sensitivity to peer evaluation, social comparison, and body image concerns. These vulnerabilities are increasingly amplified in digital environments, where ARC - a form of online peer victimisation targeting physical appearance - has become increasingly prevalent, particularly among adolescent females. A more specific subtype, body image-related cyberbullying (BRC), refers to targeted criticism of body shape, weight, and size. Although cyberbullying has been widely recognised as a mental health concern, ARC and BRC have received limited empirical attention as distinct constructs, and their neurobiological consequences during adolescence remain largely unexplored. Adopting a multi-method framework grounded in psychological theory and incorporating epidemiological and neuroimaging methods, this thesis addressed two central questions: (1) what is the prevalence and psychological impact of ARC among adolescent females? and (2) what are the neural mechanisms underpinning adolescent females’ responses to BRC specifically, and how are these responses modulated by individual differences in body dissatisfaction and prior cyberbullying exposure? Four interrelated studies were conducted. Study 1 employed a cross-sectional survey (N = 336) to quantify the prevalence of ARC and examine its associations with body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptomatology, and appearance-modifying behaviours. Study 2 proposed the first neurobiological model of BRC (BRC-NM), synthesising findings from developmental neuroscience, peer victimisation, and body image research. Study 3 addressed a methodological gap by developing and validating the Body Image-Related Cyberbullying Picture Series (BRC-PicS), an ecologically valid stimulus set designed to elicit neural and psychological responses to BRC. Study 4 utilised functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in adolescent females, testing BRC-NM predictions and examining how prior cyberbullying and body dissatisfaction moderated neural responses to BRC stimuli. Findings revealed that ARC is highly prevalent, with BRC the most frequently reported subtype, and significantly associated with body dissatisfaction, body shame, disordered eating, and appearance-modification behaviours. Additionally, BRC stimuli elicited increased activation in brain regions implicated in emotion regulation (insula, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex), social cognition (middle temporal gyrus, angular gyrus), and visual processing (fusiform gyrus, lateral occipital cortex). These neural responses were moderated by individual differences, indicating distinct neuropsychological vulnerability profiles. This thesis advances conceptual, empirical, and methodological understanding of ARC as a distinct and significant form of peer victimisation among adolescent females. It offers novel tools, theoretical models, and neurobiological insights to inform the development of targeted interventions, clinical practices, and policy strategies. Findings support the urgent need for prevention efforts addressing appearance-based harm online, including ARC-specific digital literacy programs, body image education, and early identification of adolescents at elevated neuropsychological risk.
Details
- Title
- Investigating the psychological and neurobiological impacts of appearance-related cyberbullying among adolescent females
- Authors
- Taliah Prince - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
- Contributors
- Daniel Hermens (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteKate Mulgrew (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Graduate Research SchoolChristina Driver (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteLarisa McLoughlin (Consultant Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00985
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health; Thompson Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991186244502621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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