Longitudinal associations between cyberbullying and problematic Internet use among adolescents: mediating role of body image and social self-concept / Asociaciones longitudinales entre el ciberacoso y el uso problemático de Internet entre adolescentes: papel mediador de la imagen corporal y el autoconcepto social

Abstract

Problematic Internet use (PIU) is linked to psychological problems. This study aimed to assess the impact of cyberbullying (CB), body image and social self-concept on the four components of PIU from the cognitive-behavioural model. Another aim was to examine whether worsening body image and social self-concept explain the link between CB and PIU, and whether the model is sex invariant. A sample of 783 adolescents aged 11–18 completed measures of CB in wave 1 and measures of PIU, social self-concept and body image in both waves. CB and negative social self-concept predicted higher levels of components of PIU. Furthermore, the data suggest that deficient self-regulation mediates the relationship between CB and negative outcomes, while social self-concept marginally mediates the relationship between body image and preference for online social interactions. Finally, the model was sex invariant. The study discusses implications and future directions for PIU prevention strategies.