Cyber Victimization and Perceived Stress

Abstract

The present study examined multiple sources of strain, particular cyber victimization, and perceived stress from parents, peers, and academics, in relation to late adolescents’ (ages 16-18; N = 423) cyber aggression, anxiety, and depression, each assessed 1 year later (Time 2). Three-way interactions revealed that the relationship between Time 1 cyber victimization and later depression was more positive when adolescents experienced high perceived stress (i.e., parents, peers, academics) and engaged in high cyber aggression. However, Time 2 anxiety and Time 1 cyber victimization were more strongly associated at higher levels of Time 1 perceived peer stress such that cyber aggression did not have the same joint role in these associations as it did with depression. These findings indicate that dual sources of strain combined with aggressive behaviors might negatively affect adolescents’ well-being, particularly their depression.