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Preprint
The impact of appearance-related cyberbullying on the desire to alter physical appearance among adolescent females
Research Square, Vol.5 June 2024
Research Square Company
2024
Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection
Abstract
Cyberbullying is associated with various mental health concerns in adolescents including body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours. However, there is a significant research gap concerning the unique effects of appearance-related cyberbullying (ARC) on adolescent mental health. This study examined the prevalence and psychological consequences of ARC among middle to late adolescent females (aged 14–19 years, Mage= 15.98, N = 336). Participants completed an online survey regarding their experiences of ARC, body image variables, and eating disorder symptomology. Findings indicate the widespread occurrence of ARC among adolescent females, with body shape and size emerging as predominant targets. Experiences of ARC-victimisation positively correlated with increased concerns about body shape, body shame, and eating disorder symptomology. Conversely, experiences of ARC-victimisation were negatively correlated with body esteem and body appreciation. Finally, appearance-related cybervictimisation was a significant predictor of adolescent females’ desire to pursue appearance alterations through methods such as dieting and exercising, altering self-presentation, and undergoing cosmetic procedures. These findings highlight the necessity for developing comprehensive strategies aimed at protecting the mental well-being of adolescent females by reducing the effects of ARC.
Details
- Title
- The impact of appearance-related cyberbullying on the desire to alter physical appearance among adolescent females
- Authors
- Taliah Prince - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteKate Mulgrew - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Graduate Research SchoolChristina Driver - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteLia Mills - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteJehan LozaDaniel Hermens - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
- Publication details
- Research Square, Vol.5 June 2024
- Publisher
- Research Square Company
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4434309/v1
- ISSN
- 2693-5015
- Copyright note
- This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License.
- Organisation Unit
- Graduate Research School; Thompson Institute; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991042796802621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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