@article{ref1,
title="Exploring cyberaggression and mental health consequences among adults: an Italian nationwide cross-sectional study",
journal="International journal of environmental research and public health",
year="2023",
author="Lo Moro, Giuseppina and Scaioli, Giacomo and Martella, Manuela and Pagani, Alessio and Colli, Gianluca and Bert, Fabrizio and Siliquini, Roberta",
volume="20",
number="4",
pages="e3224-e3224",
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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1661-7827",
doi="10.3390/ijerph20043224",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043224"
}