Exploring Cyberaggression and Mental Health Consequences among Adults: An Italian Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

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.