Body image cyberbullying: What is going on in young brains?
We’re working with young people to understand how witnessing body image cyberbullying affects the brain.
Through this understanding we hope to share knowledge that can inform young people’s decisions about their use of social media and guide the development of cyberbullying programs.
About our research
This research will help us develop a series of body image cyberbullying scenarios that can be used for future research to better understand how body image cyberbullying affects the adolescent brain.
Why this research is important
Cyberbullying is everywhere today and body image is the most commonly reported reason for cyberbullying. Negative body image, such as body dissatisfaction or dysmorphia, are leading risk factors for mental health concerns such as eating disorders. However, little is known about how the brain responds to body image cyberbullying, or how these responses may change depending on personal experiences. For the brain, adolescence is one of its most dynamic phases, as there are significant changes in the structure and functioning of the brain as it becomes more and more efficient. It is unclear how today’s social media landscape and cyberbullying effects the adolescent brain through this developmental phase.
Take part
This study offers young people a chance to make a real difference to our understanding of body image cyberbullying and the associated risk factors for mental health concerns, including eating disorders.
Who can take part
We seek females (gender assigned at birth) who are aged 14-19 years and who are proficient in spoken and written English.
Take part or find out more
Phone: +61 7 5456 3892
Email: PhD candidate Taliah Prince at taliah.prince@research.usc.edu.au
What's involved
The completion of a 30-minute evaluation of body image cyberbullying scenarios and three questionnaires via an online survey.
You will have the option to go in the draw to win one of two $100 credit card vouchers.
Research papers to date
Systematic review published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research