Cyber-Ostracism, Depression, and Adolescents’ Cyberbullying Perpetration: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis

• Published in: Youth & society Vol. 57; no. 2; pp. 351 - 373
• Main Authors: Ding, Huimin, Zhao, Chengjia, Huang, Feng, Zhu, Liyue, Wei, Hua, Lei, Li
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.03.2025; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adolescent boys; Adolescents; Bidirectionality; Boys; Bullying; Gender differences; Mental depression; cyberbullying perpetration; cyber-ostracism; depression; gender
• ISSN: 0044-118X; 1552-8499
• DOI: 10.1177/0044118X241301062

This study explores the complex dynamics between cyber-ostracism, depression, and cyberbullying among 870 Chinese adolescents (50.9% boys, Mage = 13.03, SD = 0.76). Using a cross-lagged panel analysis, the results found: (1) bidirectional associations between cyber-ostracism and depression, with cyber-ostracism at Time 1(T1) significantly and positively predicted depression at Time 2(T2), and depression at T1 significantly and positively predicted cyber-ostracism at T2; (2) depression at T1 significantly and positively predicted cyberbullying perpetration at T2; (3) cyberbullying perpetration at T1 significantly and positively predicted cyber-ostracism at T2; (4) depression mediated the relationship between cyber-ostracism and cyberbullying perpetration, and (5) gender differences were observed only in the path from depression at T1 to cyber-ostracism at T2, with a significant association for girls but not for boys. This study highlights the complex interplay between cyber-ostracism, depression, and adolescents’ cyberbullying perpetration, shedding light on the importance of addressing these issues in a gender-sensitive manner.