Elucidating the neurobiology of cyberbullying using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): A hypothesis

Larisa McLoughlin; Zack Y Shan; Kathryn Broadhouse; Jim Lagopoulos; Natalie Winks; Daniel F Hermens

doi:10.1016/j.avb.2019.101360

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Elucidating the neurobiology of cyberbullying using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): A hypothesis

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Elucidating the neurobiology of cyberbullying using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): A hypothesis

Larisa McLoughlin, Zack Y Shan, Kathryn Broadhouse, Jim Lagopoulos, Natalie Winks and Daniel F Hermens

Aggression and Violent Behavior, Vol.50, pp.1-5

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2019.101360

Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection

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Abstract

cyberbullying

hypothesis

functional magnetic resonance imaging

protocol

scenarios

cyberbystander

Youth mental health

Neuroimaging

Thompson Institute Special Collection

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

Cyberbullying is a prevalent concern around the world. Research shows that interactions online are associated with similar structural correlates and patterns of brain activity to real-world (offline) relationships, and that the brain experiences peer victimisation (e.g., cyberbullying) in the same way that it experiences physical pain. Furthermore, these experiences can become biologically embedded in the physiology of the developing person, thereby increasing their risk of developing mental health problems. With the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying and youth internet usage, there is a pressing need to further understand the brain's response to cyberbullying. We hypothesise that a unique pattern of brain activation is associated with cyberbullying and can be identified using task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (tbfMRI). However, there is a dearth of research regarding cyberbullying and no fMRI paradigm exists in a real-time situation such as observing a cyberbullying scenario. Here, we propose a tbfMRI protocol we have developed specifically for this purpose. This paper will describe a tbfMRI protocol that can be used to investigate the hypothesis. The overall aim of such a protocol is to elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of cyberbullying by exploring the brain responses in passive cyber-bystanders (those who witness cyberbullying). This would be the first research to use fMRI to examine brain activation in cyberbystanders, and will bring us closer to understanding the various neurobiological underpinnings that may be associated with cyber-victim/bully status and outcomes.

Details

Title: Elucidating the neurobiology of cyberbullying using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): A hypothesis
Authors: Larisa McLoughlin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Zack Y Shan (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Kathryn Broadhouse (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Jim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Natalie Winks (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Daniel F Hermens (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Aggression and Violent Behavior, Vol.50, pp.1-5
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2019.101360
ISSN: 1359-1789; 1359-1789
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; School of Health - Nursing; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451504102621
Output Type: Journal article

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