Satisfaction with life, depressive symptomatology, and solitude in victims of cyberbullying

Abstract

Cyberbullying is a growing and serious problem that raises a lot of social concern. Empirical evidence shows that cybervictims show greater psychological distress, and suffer rejection from their International Journal peers. The aim of this study was to analyse the differences in the variables: life satisfaction, depressive symptomatology, and loneliness of cybervictims depending on the duration of this the cyberbullying (it has not happened to me, 1 month (or less), between 3 and 6 months, and 1 year (or more)). In addition, the predictive value of the variables under study in cybervictimization was analysed. The sample consisted of 785 adolescents (53.4% boys and 46.6% girls), between 12 and 18 years old. The results show that satisfaction with life decreases in the victims as cyberbullying continues over time. In addition, cyber victims, regardless of time, show greater depressive symptoms. The cybervictims of “1 year (or more)” are those who perceive greater loneliness. The results show the psychological and social damage of cyber victims over time. It is necessary to pay more attention to the prevention of this serious problem in the adolescence.

Keywords

• adolescentes
• víctimas
• cyberbullying
• depresión
• soledad