Which factor is associated with increased depression risk in youths experiencing online harassment?

Which factor is associated with increased depression risk in youths experiencing online harassment?

• A. Healthy coping skills.
• B. Cyberbullying.
• C. Strong family support.
• D. Regular exercise.

Answer: (B)

Cyberbullying, or online harassment, acts as a stressor that raises the risk of depression in youths who experience it. When young people are repeatedly targeted online, they may endure persistent negative comments, social exclusion, and threats, which can lower self-esteem, fuel rumination, disturb sleep, and lead to social withdrawal—patterns strongly linked to depressive symptoms. The other options are protective factors: healthy coping skills help manage stress effectively, strong family support provides emotional backing and resources, and regular exercise improves mood and resilience. These factors tend to buffer the impact of harassment and reduce depression risk. So, the factor associated with increased depression risk is the cyberbullying itself.

Cyberbullying, or online harassment, acts as a stressor that raises the risk of depression in youths who experience it. When young people are repeatedly targeted online, they may endure persistent negative comments, social exclusion, and threats, which can lower self-esteem, fuel rumination, disturb sleep, and lead to social withdrawal—patterns strongly linked to depressive symptoms. The other options are protective factors: healthy coping skills help manage stress effectively, strong family support provides emotional backing and resources, and regular exercise improves mood and resilience. These factors tend to buffer the impact of harassment and reduce depression risk. So, the factor associated with increased depression risk is the cyberbullying itself.