Cyber dating abuse in adolescents: Myths of romantic love, sexting practices and bullying

Cyber dating abuse (CDA) is a growing problem with serious consequences for adolescents, hence the importance of understanding its relationship to other variables for developing more effective prevention strategies. The current study aimed first to analyze CDA, bullying, sexting and myths of romantic love depending on sex (girls vs boys), country (Spain vs Latin American countries) and religiosity (high vs low). The second objective was to investigate the explanatory factors of CDA, examining variables associated with bullying, sexting and myths of romantic love, using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 3264 adolescents between 14 and 18 years old (52% girls; 32% Spanish; 68% Latin Americans). Findings showed that boys had more bullying engagement, sexting, and assumption of myths of romantic love. The highly religious group presented less sexting engagement. The results also revealed that CDA is associated with sexting and that myths of romantic love have mediational effects. Prevention programs should include strategies to help adolescents use the Internet safely and identify any type of abusive behavior both among peers and in a romantic relationship, taking into account the peculiarities of virtual interactions.

Automated summary

Cyber dating abuse is a growing problem with serious consequences for adolescents. This study examines the relationship between cyber dating abuse and bullying, sexting, and myths of romantic love, and explores the explanatory factors of cyber dating abuse. The findings show that boys are more engaged in bullying, sexting, and assumption of myths of romantic love, while the highly religious group is less engaged in sexting. The study also reveals that cyber dating abuse is associated with sexting and that myths of romantic love have mediational effects. Prevention programs should aim to help adolescents use the Internet safely and identify abusive behavior in both peer relationships and romantic relationships, taking into account the unique aspects of virtual interactions.