Abstract
The purpose of this integrative review is to describe latent or covert signals of cyber victimization and risky online behaviors in teens, given the increasing prevalence and severity of these issues. With the rapid growth of internet and social media use among teens, exposure to cyber victimization has become a significant concern, with estimates indicating that up to 61% of teens have experienced some form of cyber victimization.1 The reciprocal relationship between risky online behaviors and cyber victimization further complicates this issue, as these behaviors can both result from and contribute to victimization.2–6 This review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method.7 A literature search of peer-reviewed, primary source studies published between January 2010 and February 2022 was conducted using the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text (CINAHL), APA Social Work Abstracts, ERIC, PsycInfo, and APA PsycArticles. Initially, the search string was (cyber victimization OR cyberbullying) AND (risky) AND (internet OR online) AND (signs OR symptoms) AND (latent OR covert OR hidden OR cryptic) AND (lived experience OR perceived OR perception). Additional terms were added, including social engineering. A total of 20 articles were included in this review. Four themes emerged from the literature: (1) the reciprocal nature of cyber victimization and risky online behaviors, (2) latent or covert signs and symptoms, (3) new language surrounding teens’ online experiences, and (4) barriers to disclosing experiences. Latent or covert signs and symptoms were categorized into two sub-themes: (1) mood dysregulation and (2) online interaction and expression. Barriers to disclosing experiences were categorized into two subthemes: (1) reluctance to disclose and (2) minimization or disconnection of experience. Qualitative studies yielded richer information concerning the experiences of teens who experienced cyber victimization. Future research using qualitative methodologies and direct analysis of public social media posts are needed to effectively detect the latent or covert signs and symptoms of cyber victimization and risky online behaviors. Healthcare professionals should incorporate these findings into screening processes, creating supportive environments that encourage teen disclosure and understanding the language teens use to describe their online experiences.
Notes
References:
1. Kowalski RM, Limber SP, McCord A. A developmental approach to cyberbullying: Prevalence and protective factors. Aggression and Violent Behavior. 2019;45:20-32. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2018.02.009
2. Barry CT, Briggs SM, Sidoti CL. Adolescent and parent reports of aggression and victimization on social media: associations with psychosocial adjustment. Journal of Child & Family Studies. 2019;28(8):2286-2296. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01445-1
3. Nesi J, Wolff JC, Hunt J. Patterns of social media use among adolescents who are psychiatrically hospitalized. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2019;58(6):635-639.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2019.03.009
4. Ramos Salazar L. Cyberbullying victimization as a predictor of cyberbullying perpetration, body image dissatisfaction, healthy eating and dieting behaviors, and life satisfaction. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 2021;36(1/2):354-380. doi:https://doi-org.proxy.ulib.uits.iu.edu/10.1177/08862605177257
5. Shakir T, Bhandari N, Andrews A, et al. Do our adolescents know they are cyberbullying victims? Journal of Infant, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy. 2019;18(1):93-101. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15289168.2018.1565004
6. St. Surin O, Blankenship RJ. Silent voices: The perception of cyberbullying among at-risk middle school students. International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning. 2019;9(4):1-21. doi:10.4018/IJCBPL.2019100101
7. Whittemore R, Knafl K. The integrative review: updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2005;52(5):546-553. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03621.x
Sigma Membership
Alpha
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Cyber Victimization, Online Behaviors, Teens
Recommended Citation
Antisdel, J'Andra L., "Signs and Symptoms of Cyber Victimization and Risky Online Behaviors: An Integrative Review" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 18.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/18
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Signs and Symptoms of Cyber Victimization and Risky Online Behaviors: An Integrative Review
Seattle, Washington, USA
The purpose of this integrative review is to describe latent or covert signals of cyber victimization and risky online behaviors in teens, given the increasing prevalence and severity of these issues. With the rapid growth of internet and social media use among teens, exposure to cyber victimization has become a significant concern, with estimates indicating that up to 61% of teens have experienced some form of cyber victimization.1 The reciprocal relationship between risky online behaviors and cyber victimization further complicates this issue, as these behaviors can both result from and contribute to victimization.2–6 This review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method.7 A literature search of peer-reviewed, primary source studies published between January 2010 and February 2022 was conducted using the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text (CINAHL), APA Social Work Abstracts, ERIC, PsycInfo, and APA PsycArticles. Initially, the search string was (cyber victimization OR cyberbullying) AND (risky) AND (internet OR online) AND (signs OR symptoms) AND (latent OR covert OR hidden OR cryptic) AND (lived experience OR perceived OR perception). Additional terms were added, including social engineering. A total of 20 articles were included in this review. Four themes emerged from the literature: (1) the reciprocal nature of cyber victimization and risky online behaviors, (2) latent or covert signs and symptoms, (3) new language surrounding teens’ online experiences, and (4) barriers to disclosing experiences. Latent or covert signs and symptoms were categorized into two sub-themes: (1) mood dysregulation and (2) online interaction and expression. Barriers to disclosing experiences were categorized into two subthemes: (1) reluctance to disclose and (2) minimization or disconnection of experience. Qualitative studies yielded richer information concerning the experiences of teens who experienced cyber victimization. Future research using qualitative methodologies and direct analysis of public social media posts are needed to effectively detect the latent or covert signs and symptoms of cyber victimization and risky online behaviors. Healthcare professionals should incorporate these findings into screening processes, creating supportive environments that encourage teen disclosure and understanding the language teens use to describe their online experiences.
Description
Participants will explore the latent signs and symptoms of cyber victimization and risky online behaviors in teens. The session will provide insights into emerging online language, barriers to disclosure, and the reciprocal nature of these behaviors, offering strategies for early detection and intervention.