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Mediating Effects of Emotional Symptoms on the Association between Homophobic Bullying Victimization and Problematic Internet/Smartphone Use among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan

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  • Dian-Jeng Li

    (Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
    Department of Addiction Science, Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan)

  • Yu-Ping Chang

    (School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079, USA)

  • Yi-Lung Chen

    (Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
    Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan)

  • Cheng-Fang Yen

    (Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
    Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan)

Abstract

Problematic internet/smartphone use (PI/SU) and homophobic bullying has become a new type of mental health problem among sexual minorities. However, few studies have investigated the mediators of the association between these factors. We aimed to develop a model to estimate the mediating effect of emotional symptoms, including depression and anxiety, on this association among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. In total, 500 gay or bisexual men in early adulthood were recruited, and their histories of homophobic bullying victimization during childhood and adolescence, current severity of PI/SU, and current emotional symptoms were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires. A mediation model was developed to test the mediating effect of emotional symptoms on the association between homophobic bullying victimization and PI/SU. In total, 190 (38%) and 201 (40.2%) of the participants had experiences of traditional and cyber homophobic bullying victimization, respectively. A higher level of homophobic bullying victimization was significantly associated with a more severe level of PI/SU, and this was mediated by a higher severity of emotional symptoms. There was a significant effect of emotional symptoms on the association between homophobic bullying victimization and PI/SU. Timely interventions for emotional symptoms are necessary for gay and bisexual men, especially for those who are victims of homophobic bullying.

Suggested Citation

  • Dian-Jeng Li & Yu-Ping Chang & Yi-Lung Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "Mediating Effects of Emotional Symptoms on the Association between Homophobic Bullying Victimization and Problematic Internet/Smartphone Use among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:10:p:3386-:d:357387
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dian-Jeng Li & Shiou-Lan Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2019. "Multi-Dimensional Factors Associated with Illegal Substance Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Dian-Jeng Li & Shiou-Lan Chen & Yu-Ping Chang & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2020. "Factors Affecting Painkillers, Sedatives/Hypnotics, Nicotine, and Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Christoph Augner & Gerhard Hacker, 2012. "Associations between problematic mobile phone use and psychological parameters in young adults," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 57(2), pages 437-441, April.
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    1. Huang-Chi Lin & Yu-Ping Chang & Yi-Lung Chen & Cheng-Fang Yen, 2022. "Relationships of Homophobic Bullying Victimization during Childhood with Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Early Adulthood among Gay and Bisexual Men: Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-15, April.
    2. M.M. Segovia-González & José M. Ramírez-Hurtado & I. Contreras, 2023. "Analyzing the Risk of Being a Victim of School Bullying. The Relevance of Students’ Self-Perceptions," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 16(5), pages 2141-2163, October.

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