Longitudinal associations between cybervictimization, generalized problematic internet use, anxiety, and depression: cross-lagged panel analysis

In recent years, several studies, including research with bidirectional and cross-effect designs, have revealed longitudinal associations between cyberbullying, Generalized Problematic Internet Use (GPIU), anxiety and depression. However, few studies have addressed the interrelationship of these four dimensions at different time points, particularly considering the role of cybervictimization. This analysis is crucial for understanding the dynamics between online risks and psychosocial distress in adolescence. This study had the following objectives: (1) to analyze the autoregressive behavior of cybervictimization, GPIU, depression and anxiety; (2) to explore the longitudinal associations and temporal relationships between cybervictimization, GPIU, depression and anxiety. A longitudinal study was carried out with two measurements 6 months apart on 1,640 Spanish students (44% boys; n = 721), with a mean age of 13.90 ± 1.5 years. A cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was used to examine longitudinal associations between variables across time. The results yielded positive and significant autoregressive effects, indicating stability in cybervictimization, GPIU, depression and anxiety. Significant cross-lagged associations were also found: cybervictimization at W1 was associated with higher levels of GPIU at W2; anxiety at W1 was associated with subsequent levels of depression at W2; and depression at W1 was associated with subsequent levels of both cybervictimization and anxiety at W2. Digital literacy is essential to prevent Internet-related risks, reduce cybervictimization, and address depressive symptoms as key priorities for intervention.