How Are Consensual, Non-Consensual, and Pressured Sexting Linked to Depression and Self-Harm? The Moderating Effects of Demographic Variables

Sexting among adolescents has triggered controversial debates among scholars and the general public. However, questions regarding the associations between different types of sexting, namely consensual, non-consensual, and pressured sexting, depressive symptoms, and non-suicidal self-harm remain. In addition, little attention has been given to whether demographic variables (i.e., gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual minority) might influence these associations. To fill these gaps in the literature, the present study was conducted. Participants were 2506 adolescents (ages 13–16 years old; Mage = 15.17; SDage = 0.89) from eight high schools located in the suburbs of a large Midwestern city in the United States. Adolescents self-identified as female (50%), Caucasian (57%), approximately 15% reported that they had a disability they received school accommodation for, and 18% self-identified as a sexual minority. They completed self-report questionnaires on their sexting behaviors, depressive symptoms, and non-suicidal self-harm. Findings revealed that non-consensual and pressured sexting were positively related to depressive symptoms and non-suicidal self-harm, whereas consensual sexting was unrelated to these outcomes. Boys engaged in more non-consensual sexting compared with girls, girls were more pressured to send sexts compared with boys, and sexual minority adolescents reported greater consensual sexting compared with non-sexual minority adolescents. Moderating effects revealed that girls, non-minority adolescents, and non-sexual minority adolescents experienced greater depressive symptoms and non-suicidal self-harm when they experienced pressured sexting. These findings underscore the importance of considering various types of sexting and adolescents’ demographic variables when examining the negative outcomes of sexting. Disentangling the relationships among different types of sexting, depressive symptoms, and self-harm aids in the development of evidence-based recommendations for sexting harm prevention and sexual education programs.

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Depression and self-harm from adolescence to young adulthood in sexual minorities compared with heterosexuals in the UK: a population-based cohort study

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.138 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

M Irish ◽

F Solmi ◽

B Mars ◽

M King ◽

G Lewis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Young Adulthood ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Sexual Minorities ◽

Multilevel Models ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Population Based ◽

Minority Adolescents ◽

Self Harm

Abstract Background There are few population-based cohort studies of the emergence, development, and persistence of mental health problems in sexual minorities compared with heterosexuals. We compared trajectories of depressive symptoms in sexual-minority adolescents and heterosexual adolescents from when they were aged 10 to 21 years, and examined self-harm at ages 16 and 21 years. Methods The study included 4828 adolescents born between April 1, 1991, and Dec 31, 1992, from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children birth cohort (Bristol, UK) who reported their sexual orientation when aged 16 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire at seven timepoints between ages 10 and 21 years. A self-harm questionnaire was completed at ages 16 and 21 years. Analyses were linear multilevel models with growth curves (depressive symptoms), logistic multilevel models (self-harm in the previous year at ages 16 and 21 years), and multinomial regression (lifetime self-harm with and without suicidal intent at age 21 years). Findings At age 10, depressive symptoms were higher in sexual minorities than in heterosexuals and increased with age to a larger extent. Depressive symptoms increased at each timepoint by 0·31 points in hetereosexuals, and by 0·49 points in sexual minorities. Sexual-minority adolescents were more likely than heterosexual adolescents to report self-harm in the previous year at ages 16 and 21 years, with no evidence that this estimate decreased with age. At aged 21, sexual minorities were more likely to report lifetime self-harm (ie, on at least one previous occasion) with suicidal intent than heterosexuals. Interpretation Mental health disparities between heterosexuals and sexual minorities are present early in adolescence and increase throughout the school years, persisting to young adulthood. Prevention of these mental health problems and early intervention must be a priority.

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Coping Style as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Deliberate Self-Harm

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000083 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (5) ◽

pp. 272-279 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Allison S. Christian ◽

Kristen M. McCabe

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Deliberate Self Harm ◽

Self Blame ◽

Self Harm ◽

The Relationship

Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) occurs with high frequency among clinical and nonclinical youth populations. Although depression has been consistently linked with the behavior, not all depressed individuals engage in DSH. Aims: The current study examined maladaptive coping strategies (i.e., self-blame, distancing, and self-isolation) as mediators between depression and DSH among undergraduate students. Methods: 202 students from undergraduate psychology courses at a private university in Southern California (77.7% women) completed anonymous self-report measures. Results: A hierarchical regression model found no differences in DSH history across demographic variables. Among coping variables, self-isolation alone was significantly related to DSH. A full meditational model was supported: Depressive symptoms were significantly related to DSH, but adding self-isolation to the model rendered the relationship nonsignificant. Limitations: The cross-sectional study design prevents determination of whether a casual relation exists between self-isolation and DSH, and obscures the direction of that relationship. Conclusions: Results suggest targeting self-isolation as a means of DSH prevention and intervention among nonclinical, youth populations.

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Transgender Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking Patterns

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260519880171 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 088626051988017 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Victoria Kurdyla ◽

Adam M. Messinger ◽

Milka Ramirez

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Help Seeking ◽

The United States ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Self Report ◽

Care Providers ◽

Convenience Sample

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against transgender individuals is highly prevalent and impactful, and thus research is needed to examine the extent to which survivors are able to reach needed assistance and safety. To our knowledge, no U.S.-based quantitative studies have explored transgender utilization patterns and perceptions regarding a broad range of help-giving resources (HGRs). The present article fills this gap in the literature by exploring help-seeking attitudes and behaviors of a convenience sample of 92 transgender adults and 325 cisgender sexual minority adults in the United States. Results from an online questionnaire indicate that, among the subsample experiencing IPV ( n = 187), help-seeking rates were significantly higher among transgender survivors (84.1%) than cisgender sexual minority survivors (67.1%). In addition, transgender survivors most commonly sought help from friends (76.7%), followed by mental health care providers (39.5%) and family (30.2%), whereas formal HGRs such as police, IPV telephone hotlines, and survivor shelters had low utilization rates. Among all transgender participants, IPV survivors were significantly less likely than nonsurvivors to perceive family, medical doctors, and survivor hotlines as helpful HGRs for other survivors in general. Finally, transgender survivors were significantly less likely than nonsurvivors to self-report a willingness to disclose any future IPV to family. Although replication with larger, probability samples is needed, these findings suggest that friends often represent the primary line of defense for transgender survivors seeking help, and thus bystander intervention trainings and education should be adapted to address not just cisgender but also transgender IPV. Furthermore, because most formal HGR types appear to be underutilized and perceived more negatively by transgender survivors, renewed efforts are needed to tailor services, service advertising, and provider trainings to the needs of transgender communities. Directions for future research are reviewed.

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Mediators of increased self-harm and suicidal ideation in sexual minority youth: a longitudinal study

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s003329171800346x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (15) ◽

pp. 2524-2532 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

O. A. Oginni ◽

E. J. Robinson ◽

A. Jones ◽

Q. Rahman ◽

K. A. Rimes

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Gender Nonconformity ◽

Minority Youth ◽

Sexual Minority Youth ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Self Harm

AbstractBackgroundSexual minority youth have elevated suicidal ideation and self-harm compared with heterosexual young people; however, evidence for mediating mechanisms is predominantly cross-sectional. Using a longitudinal design, we investigated self-esteem and depressive symptoms as mediators of increased rates of suicidal ideation or self-harm (SISH) among sexual minority youth, and the roles of childhood gender nonconformity (CGN) and sex as moderators of these relationships.MethodIn total, 4274 youth from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort reported sexual orientation at age 15 years, and past-year SISH at age 20 years. Self-esteem and depressive symptoms were assessed at ages 17 and 18 years, respectively. CGN was measured at 30–57 months. Covariates included sociodemographic variables and earlier measures of mediator and outcome variables. Mediation pathways were assessed using structural equation modelling.ResultsSexual minority youth (almost 12% of the sample) were three times more likely than heterosexual youth to report past-year SISH (95% confidence interval 2.43–3.64) at 20 years. Two mediation pathways were identified: a single mediator pathway involving self-esteem and a multiple-mediated pathway involving self-esteem and depressive symptoms. Although CGN was associated with past-year SISH, it did not moderate any mediation pathways and there was no evidence for moderation by sex.ConclusionsLower self-esteem and increased depressive symptoms partly explain the increased risk for later suicidal ideation and self-harm in sexual minority youth. Preventive strategies could include self-esteem-enhancing or protecting interventions, especially in female sexual minority youth, and treatment of depression.

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Preteen Behaviors and Sexual Orientation of High School Students Who Report Depressive Symptoms, United States, 2015-2017

Public Health Reports ◽

10.1177/0033354920971718 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 136 (2) ◽

pp. 132-135

Author(s):

Douglas D’Agati ◽

Geoffrey D. Kahn ◽

Karen L. Swartz

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Young People ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Marijuana Use ◽

The United States ◽

School Students ◽

Increased Risk

Unhealthy preteen behaviors are associated with adolescent depression. However, little is known about preteen factors among sexual minority young people, a group at increased risk for teen depression and suicide. We completed weighted multivariate logistic regression analyses on data from the national 2015 and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 30 389 high school students in the United States. Preteen sex, cigarette smoking, and alcohol and marijuana use were significantly more prevalent among lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) and questioning students who reported depressive symptoms than among their heterosexual peers (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] range, 1.33-2.34; all significant at P < .05). The only exception was that marijuana use among questioning students was not significantly different from use among heterosexual peers (APR = 1.34; P = .11). Assessment of preteen sex and substance use—especially among LGB and questioning young people, who are more prone to depressive symptoms and more likely to initiate risky preteen behaviors than their heterosexual counterparts—will facilitate a life course approach to sexual minority mental health that should begin by early adolescence.

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Early adversity and 5-HTT/BDNF genes: new evidence of gene–environment interactions on depressive symptoms in a general population

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291709005248 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 39 (9) ◽

pp. 1425-1432 ◽

Cited By ~ 180

Author(s):

M. Aguilera ◽

B. Arias ◽

M. Wichers ◽

N. Barrantes-Vidal ◽

J. Moya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Depressive Symptomatology ◽

Childhood Adversity ◽

Self Report ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Bdnf Gene ◽

Val66met Polymorphism ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Different Types

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences have been described as one of the major environmental risk factors for depressive disorder. Similarly, the deleterious impact of early traumatic experiences on depression seems to be moderated by individual genetic variability. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulate the effect of childhood adversity on adult depression, although inconsistencies across studies have been found. Moreover, the gene×environment (G×E) interaction concerning the different types of childhood adversity remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the putative interaction between the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR polymorphism), the BDNF gene (Val66Met polymorphism) and childhood adversity in accounting for adult depressive symptoms.MethodA sample of 534 healthy individuals filled in self-report questionnaires of depressive symptomatology [the Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R)] and different types of childhood adversities [the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)]. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) and the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) were genotyped in the whole sample.ResultsTotal childhood adversity (β=0.27, p<0.001), childhood sexual abuse (CSA; β=0.17, p<0.001), childhood emotional abuse (β=0.27, p<0.001) and childhood emotional neglect (β=0.22, p<0.001) had an impact on adult depressive symptoms. CSA had a greater impact on depressive symptoms in Met allele carriers of the BDNF gene than in the Val/Val group (F=5.87, p<0.0001), and in S carriers of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) (F=5.80, p<0.0001).ConclusionsChildhood adversity per se predicted higher levels of adult depressive symptoms. In addition, BDNF Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms seemed to moderate the effect of CSA on adult depressive symptoms.

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The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.23.2.89 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 89-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Mattias Desmet ◽

Stijn Vanheule ◽

Hans Groenvynck ◽

Paul Verhaeghe ◽

Judith Vogel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Factor Model ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

Self Report ◽

Interpersonal Behavior ◽

Student Sample ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Different Types ◽

Theoretical Predictions ◽

Interpersonal Characteristics

Abstract. The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt, D'Aflitti, & Quinlan, 1976 ) is a self-report questionnaire designed to differentiate between dependency and self-criticism, two personality traits associated with increased risk for psychopathology in general and depression in particular. Over the years, different shortened versions of the DEQ have been constructed, attempting to offer an alternative for the complex scoring procedure of the original DEQ. In this article, the authors studied the factorial validity of the original DEQ and of six shortened versions in a student sample (N = 636) and in a clinical sample (N = 404) by means of confirmatory factor analysis. Furthermore, the construct validity of the different versions of the DEQ was studied by computing correlations with different types of depressive symptoms and interpersonal problems. Dependency was hypothesized to be associated with somatic depressive symptoms and with nonassertive, overly accommodating, and self-sacrificing interpersonal behavior; self-criticism would be associated with cognitive depressive symptoms and with vindictive, cold, and socially inhibited interpersonal behavior. In the present study, the reconstructed DEQ ( Bagby, Parker, Joffe, & Buis, 1994 ) demonstrated the best psychometric properties. This factor model showed good fit to student and clinical (raw as well as ipsatized) data. Furthermore, intercorrelations between scores on dependency and self-criticism were adequately low (around .45) and the associations with different types of depressive symptoms and interpersonal characteristics were in line with theoretical predictions. Importantly, ipsatization of the DEQ scores was necessary to observe the hypothesized associations with depressive symptoms. Overall, the authors concluded that the reconstructed DEQ is a simple and valid scoring procedure with some important advantages compared to the more complex scoring procedures of the DEQ.

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Confirming the Reliability and Validity of the Sexual Minority Adolescent Stress Inventory in a National Sample of Sexual Minority Adolescents

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720199 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Jeremy T. Goldbach ◽

Sheree M. Schrager ◽

Mary Rose Mamey ◽

Harmony Rhoades

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Health ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Minority Stress ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

The United States ◽

National Sample ◽

Minority Adolescents ◽

Adolescent Stress ◽

Stress Inventory ◽

Minority Adolescent

Objective: Sexual minority adolescents (SMA) experience numerous behavioral health disparities, including depression, anxiety, substance use, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidality. The primary framework to understand these disparities is minority stress theory, which frames this disproportionate burden as the result of discrimination, violence, and victimization in a homophobic culture. Empirical examinations of minority stress among SMA have been limited by lack of diverse samples or validated measures. This study engaged a national community sample of SMA to confirm reliability and validity of the Sexual Minority Adolescent Stress Inventory (SMASI).Method: A national sample of 2,310 SMA aged 14–17 was recruited in the United States through a hybrid social media and respondent-driven sampling approach. Item response theory and confirmatory factor analysis established the psychometric properties of the SMASI in this sample; minority stress was modeled as a latent variable in several regression models to verify criterion and divergent validity.Results: In this national sample (M age = 15.9; 64% female and 60% White), the factor structure of the SMASI and its 11 subscales was confirmed and shown to be invariant by demographic characteristics. Minority stress as measured by the SMASI was significantly associated with all mental and behavioral health outcomes.Conclusions: This study provides evidence that SMASI is a reliable, valid, and important tool for better understanding minority stress and subsequent health and mental health consequences among SMA.

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Social Media Use and Mood, Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm in Adolescents

BRAIN. BROAD RESEARCH IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE ◽

10.18662/brain/11.3sup1/119 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3sup1) ◽

pp. 31-40

Author(s):

Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino ◽

◽

Francesca Felicia Operto ◽

Roberto Buonaiuto ◽

Giuseppe Diaspro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

High School Students ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Total Sample ◽

Self Report ◽

School Students ◽

Campania Region ◽

Self Harm ◽

Males And Females

Objective: The aim of our observational study was to evaluate depressive symptoms in adolescent population, focusing on suicidal ideation and intentionality, and to establish the relationship between depressive symptoms/self-harm and the average time spent in social media. Methods: Our study was an observational cross-sectional study that involved three Middle Schools and three High Schools in the Campania region of Italy. One thousand three hundred sixty-five students 11-19 years of age were recruited (mean age=15 years; female=51%, male=49%). Percentage of adhesion was 95%. All the subjects were administered three self-report questionnaires, filled out anonymously and in the presence of the teachers after illustrating their validity and purpose. Results: In 23% females and 18% males, depressive symptoms were above the norm, with a slight increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms in high school students compared to middle school ones. Suicidal intentionality was expressed in 4% of the total sample, with no differences between males and females. Suicidal ideation was present in 14% of the total sample, with a higher prevalence in females than in males (17% vs 10%). We found a significant positive relationship between the depressive symptoms and the hours spent on Social Media, in both males and females. A significant relationship was also found between hours on Social Media and suicidal ideation/intentionality. Conclusions: Our study showed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents, in keeping with previous studies. Our study also showed a significant association between the use of social networks and the development of depressive symptoms, as well as suicidal ideation and intentionality. Further studies are needed to investigate the nature of this relationship.

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