Cybervictimization and Adolescent Internet Addiction: A Moderated Mediation Model

Mucheng Xin, Pei Chen, Qiao Liang, Chengfu Yu, Shuangju Zhen and Wei Zhang
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Mucheng Xin: Department of Psychology and Research Center of Adolescent Psychology and Behavior, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Pei Chen: Department of Psychology and Research Center of Adolescent Psychology and Behavior, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Qiao Liang: Department of Psychology and Research Center of Adolescent Psychology and Behavior, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Chengfu Yu: Department of Psychology and Research Center of Adolescent Psychology and Behavior, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Shuangju Zhen: School of Psychology and Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
Wei Zhang: School of Psychology and Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-13

Abstract: Previous research indicates that cybervictimization can lead to adolescent Internet addiction; however, there is a gap in the knowledge about the mediating and moderating variables facilitating this relationship. This study examines the role of rejection sensitivity as a mediator in this relationship and the role of parent–adolescent communication as a moderator for this mediation effect among Chinese adolescents. Participants were 1006 adolescents (M = 13.16 years, SD = 0.67), who completed the questionnaires anonymously. The questionnaires assessed the four variables of interest. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. The results show that the positive association between cybervictimization and adolescent Internet addiction is mediated by rejection sensitivity. Moreover, this indirect effect is stronger for adolescents with low parent–adolescent communication than for those with high parent–adolescent communication.

Keywords: adolescent; cybervictimization; internet addiction; rejection sensitivity; parent–adolescent communication (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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