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Exploring Cyberaggression and Mental Health Consequences among Adults: An Italian Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppina Lo Moro

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Giacomo Scaioli

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Manuela Martella

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Alessio Pagani

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Gianluca Colli

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Fabrizio Bert

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

  • Roberta Siliquini

    (Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
    AOU City of Health and Science of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy)

Abstract

Cyberaggression (CyA) embraces a broad spectrum of hostile behaviors through electronic means. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate features and outcomes of this phenomenon among Italian adults. A nationwide survey was distributed on social media platforms. Being victim and being perpetrator of CyA were the primary outcomes; positive scores for GAD-2 (generalized anxiety disorder) and PHQ-2 (depressive symptoms) scales were the secondary outcomes. In total, 446 surveys were collected. Considering the primary outcomes, 46.3% and 13.5% reported having been victims and perpetrators of CyA, respectively. Politics, ethnic minority, and sexual orientation were main subjects triggering CyA. A higher likelihood of being cyber-victims was observed for women and the LGBTQA+ group. Women were less likely to be CyA perpetrators. There was an association between being a CyA victim and a CyA perpetrator. A total of 22.4% and 34.0% respondents scored positive for PHQ-2 and GAD-2, respectively. The main mental health consequences after CyA exposure were anger and sadness, whereas sleep alterations and stomach ache were the most experienced psychosomatics symptoms. No significant relationships between PHQ-2/GAD-2 and CyA emerged. CyA also represents a crucial public health issue among Italian adults. Further investigations are needed to better define the phenomenon and to study the potential consequences on mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppina Lo Moro & Giacomo Scaioli & Manuela Martella & Alessio Pagani & Gianluca Colli & Fabrizio Bert & Roberta Siliquini, 2023. "Exploring Cyberaggression and Mental Health Consequences among Adults: An Italian Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3224-:d:1066128
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Magdalena Celuch & Atte Oksanen & Pekka Räsänen & Matthew Costello & Catherine Blaya & Izabela Zych & Vicente J. Llorent & Ashley Reichelmann & James Hawdon, 2022. "Factors Associated with Online Hate Acceptance: A Cross-National Six-Country Study among Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-13, January.
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