Files and links (1)
Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
The neural underpinnings of body image-related cyberbullying in adolescent females: A proposed neurobiological model
Behavioural Brain Research, Vol.492, pp.1-14
2025
PMID: 40404016
Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection
Abstract
Background
The widespread adoption of social media has precipitated an increase in cyberbullying. Body image-related cyberbullying (BRC)- which targets an individuals body shape, weight or size -is particularly prevalent among adolescent females, and is associated with negative body image outcomes and eating disorder symptoms. Although research has begun to address the prevalence and psychological impacts of BRC, a significant gap remains in our understanding of the specific neurobiological responses of adolescent females to BRC. This paper presents the body image-related cyberbullying neurobiological model (BRC-NM), which can be used as a framework to investigate the neural underpinnings of adolescent females’ responses to BRC.
Method
Drawing from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of body image and peer victimisation, the BRC-NM details the complex interactions among neural, psychological, and social factors likely involved in experiences of BRC.
Results
The BRC-NM delineated several key brain regions involved in emotional regulation, self-referential thought, and social cognition that are proposed to be involved in the emotional and cognitive processing of viewing BRC.
Conclusion
By integrating existing knowledge and establishing connections across disciplines such as psychology and neurobiology, the BRC-NM contributes to the evolving field of neurobiological research, enhancing our understanding of the impact of BRC and supporting the development of targeted interventions.
Details
- Title
- The neural underpinnings of body image-related cyberbullying in adolescent females: A proposed neurobiological model
- Authors
- Taliah Prince (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteChristina Driver - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteAmanda Boyes - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteKate E Mulgrew - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyRosiel Elwyn - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteLia Mills - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems ScienceDaniel F Hermens - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
- Publication details
- Behavioural Brain Research, Vol.492, pp.1-14
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bbr.2025.115647
- ISSN
- 1872-7549; 0166-4328
- PMID
- 40404016
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).
- Data Availability
- No data was used for the research described in the article.
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; Graduate Research School; Thompson Institute; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991130084002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
7 File views/ downloads
62 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Web Of Science research areas
- Behavioral Sciences
- Neurosciences
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites