Mental Health Issues

Linkages between depressive symptomatology and Internet harassment among young regular Internet users

Recent reports indicate 97% of youth are connected to the Internet. As more young people have access to online communication, it is integrally important to identify youth who may be more vulnerable to negative experiences.

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Sex Differences in Youth-Reported Depressive Symptomatology and Unwanted Internet Sexual Solicitation

Ybarra, M.L., Leaf, P.J., & Diener-West, M. (2004). Sex Differences in Youth-Reported Depressive Symptomatology and Unwanted Internet Sexual Solicitation. J Med Internet Res., 6(1), e5.
 Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the number of youths using the Internet regularly increase, so too does the number of youths potentially vulnerable to negative experiences online. Clinicians, policy makers, and parents need [...]

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Online behavior of youth who engage in self-harm provides clues for preventive intervention

Mitchell, K.J. & Ybarra, M.L. (2007).  Online behavior of youth who engage in self-harm provides clues for preventive intervention.  Preventive Medicine, 45, 392-396. 

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the Internet use and interpersonal interactions of youth reporting deliberate self-harm as defined by any non-fatal act, regardless of intention. METHOD: The Second Youth Internet Safety Survey is a [...]

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Depressive symptomatology, youth Internet use, and online interactions: A national survey

Ybarra, M.L., Alexander, C., & Mitchell, K.J. (2005). Depressive symptomatology, youth Internet use, and online interactions: A national survey. Journal of Adolescent Health, 36(1), 9-18.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the online communications and self-disclosure practices of youth reporting depressive symptomatology. METHOD: The Youth Internet Safety Survey was a nationally representative telephone survey of 1501 Internet-using youth [...]

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The relative importance of online victimization in understanding depression, delinquency and substance use

Mitchell, K.J., Ybarra, M.L., & Finkelhor, D.  (2007). The relative importance of online victimization in understanding depression, delinquency and substance use. Child Maltreatment, 12(4), 314-324. 

Abstract: This article explores the relationship between online and offline forms of interpersonal victimization, with depressive symptomatology, delinquency, and substance use. In a national sample of 1,501 youth Internet users [...]

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