Weight-based cybervictimization: Implications for adolescent health

Abstract

Background: Despite the ubiquity of cybervictimization among youth, attention to weight-based cybervictimization is scarce.

Aims: This study assessed the prevalence of electronic forms of weight-based peer victimization (i.e., cybervictimization) and its associations with adolescent health, as indicated by somatic symptoms, stress, depression, and sleep trouble.

Materials & methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online with a community sample of 452 adolescents aged 11-17 years old (M_age = 14.91 years).

Results: Thirty-three percent of adolescents reported at least one experience of weight-based cybervictimization, with elevated rates among those with overweight (45%) and obesity (60%). Weight-based cybervictimization was associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms (β = 0.24; p < 0.001), stress (β = 0.22; p < 0.001), depression (β = 0.27; p < 0.001), and sleep trouble (β = 0.20; p < 0.001); these associations were consistent across adolescent weight status.

Discussion and conclusion: Findings suggest that the health implications of weight-based victimization extend to the electronic context, and underscore the importance of addressing weight-based cybervictimization in antibullying initiatives to support healthy adolescent well-being.

Keywords: adolescence; cybervictimization; health risk; weight stigma; weight-based mistreatment.