Exploring the relationship between peer loneliness, problematic videogame use, and cyberbullying victimisation in adolescence

<i>Background</i>: Adolescence, acknowledged as a transformative developmental phase marked by socio-emotional challenges, introduces an elevated susceptibility to loneliness. As adolescents are exposed to loneliness, they concurrently navigate the dynamic landscape of problematic videogame use, characterised by deleterious gaming patterns with consequential impacts across various life domains. Empirical evidence indicates a significant correlation between experiences of cyberbullying victimisation and heightened feelings of loneliness, particularly within the context of peer relationships during this developmental epoch.<i>Objectives</i>: This study examined the critical relationships among loneliness, cyberbullying victimisation, and problematic videogame use, considering loneliness as a potential precursor to adverse developmental outcomes. Further, it assesses sex differences in these associations, seeking to elucidate the pathways through which these variables exert influence on the psychological well-being of adolescents.<i>Methods</i>: This study included 438 adolescents from Central Italy (50% boys), aged 11 to 16 (mean = 12.7 years, SD = 1.4 years). Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire during school hours.<i>Results</i>: Overall, 10.5% of participants reported experiencing cyberbullying victimisation, with no significant sex differences. Structural Equation Modelling revealed a significant association between loneliness with peers and well-being, mediated by cyberbullying victimisation and problematic videogame use. A significant interaction effect was found between sex and nervousness during gameplay, showing that nervousness was more strongly associated with problematic videogame use in boys compared to girls.<i>Conclusions</i>: These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to reduce peer-related loneliness in adolescence. Future research should explore the longitudinal, bidirectional effects of loneliness in adolescence on both problematic behaviours and well-being.