Cyberbullying Victimization and Adolescent Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress

Abstract

Cyberbullying has emerged as a significant public health concern in the digital age, particularly affecting adolescents who are among the most active users of online platforms. Cyberbullying victimization refers to the experience of being targeted through harmful, threatening, or humiliating behavior via digital communication channels such as social media, messaging applications, and online forums. This study examines the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and adolescent mental health while investigating the mediating role of psychological distress.

Adolescent mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well being of individuals aged between 10 and 19 years. It includes indicators such as self esteem, emotional stability, anxiety levels, depression, and overall life satisfaction. Exposure to cyberbullying can significantly disrupt these psychological dimensions by increasing feelings of fear, isolation, and helplessness among adolescents.

Psychological distress refers to a state of emotional suffering characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional instability. It is a key intermediate mechanism through which adverse social experiences, such as cyberbullying, translate into long term mental health problems. Victims of cyberbullying often experience persistent psychological distress due to repeated exposure to harmful online interactions.

This study employs a quantitative research design using survey data collected from adolescents who actively use digital platforms. Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS is applied to examine the direct relationship between cyberbullying victimization and adolescent mental health, as well as the mediating effect of psychological distress. The findings indicate that cyberbullying victimization significantly affects adolescent mental health. Furthermore, psychological distress plays a significant mediating role in this relationship.

The study contributes to digital psychology, adolescent health research, and cyberpsychology by explaining how online victimization affects mental health through emotional distress mechanisms. The findings provide practical implications for educators, parents, policymakers, and mental health professionals. Future research should explore additional mediators such as social support, resilience, and coping strategies.