Search Results (184)

Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) is an increasingly prevalent problem that disproportionately affects women. Understanding the psychological processes related to this behavior is essential for its prevention. Accordingly, the present study examines the activation of moral disengagement mechanisms in IBSA contexts by considering the role of gender and age across the lifespan. Specifically, by using a vignette-based methodology, this study investigates which moral disengagement mechanisms are activated in scenarios of sextortion and non-consensual intimate image sharing (NCIIS) involving male-perpetrated abuse against women. A sample of 2343 participants (68.2% women) aged 14–74 years (M = 25.86, SD = 9.96, Mo = 19) completed measures which assessed eight mechanisms of moral disengagement. The results indicated that men exhibited higher levels of moral disengagement than women in relation to both sextortion and NCIIS, with younger men reporting the highest levels. Gender differences were more pronounced for NCIIS (ηp² = 0.085) than for sextortion (ηp² = 0.043). With regard to age, older participants reported lower overall levels of moral disengagement in both scenarios, although age effects were comparatively small (ηp² = 0.020–0.026). The minimization of consequences in sextortion was the only mechanism that remained relatively stable across ages. Analyses also revealed significant age × gender interactions, particularly for NCIIS (ηp² = 0.016), indicating that moral disengagement among women remained at consistently lower levels, whereas initial gender differences between men and women decreased with age. These findings are consistent with prior literature which suggests that both sextortion and NCIIS constitute gendered forms of violence and highlight the importance of targeting young men in prevention and intervention efforts aimed at challenging the justifications underlying these behaviors. Full article

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a relevant form of adolescent interpersonal violence, yet little is known about how adolescents intend to respond when a peer discloses victimization and whether these responses facilitate access to supportive adults and other protective resources. This study examined adolescents’ intended responses following peer disclosure of TDV using a vignette-based design that extended prior work by including four relationship configurations: heterosexual male perpetrator/female victim, heterosexual female perpetrator/male victim, male same-sex couple, and female same-sex couple. Participants were 655 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years from secondary schools in Southern Italy. Descriptive findings showed that supportive and relational responses were most frequently endorsed, including listening to the friend, helping them decide what to do, reassuring them, and encouraging them to talk to trusted others, whereas institutional responses were endorsed less often. Stratified chi-square analyses indicated that condition effects were selective rather than pervasive and were concentrated mainly in responses involving escalation to adults or authorities. Across subgroups, the heterosexual female-perpetrator/male-victim condition was most consistently associated with lower intervention-oriented responding and/or greater uncertainty, whereas the heterosexual male-perpetrator/female-victim condition more often elicited active intervention. The findings suggest that adolescents’ responses to peer disclosures of violence are shaped not only by prosocial intentions but also by the social recognizability of the violent scenario, with implications for validation, access to supportive adults, and inclusive school-based prevention. Full article

Sexual violence against young girls is a complex phenomenon encompassing multiple forms of abuse and leading to numerous negative outcomes. Therefore, rehabilitation measures play a critical role in reducing recidivism and enhancing victims’ safety. This study examined preliminary results of a 25-session individual intervention program (the INSIGHT Program) designed for individuals who sexually offended in Portugal, in both prison and community settings. In this pilot clinical trial, 19 participants were assigned to one of two conditions: INSIGHT plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone. Data was collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Proximal outcomes (e.g., attitudes toward child sexual abuse, victim empathy, interpersonal problems, and early maladaptive schemas) were assessed. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was computed. Results indicated that participants receiving INSIGHT plus TAU evidenced greater clinical improvements in empathy toward victims and interpersonal problems compared with participants receiving TAU alone. Overall, the intervention demonstrates potential to reduce some risk factors among individuals who perpetrated sexual violence against young girls. However, we highlight the need to reconsider the work carried out on EMSs, particularly regarding the techniques used. Full article

Background/Objectives: Child-to-parent violence (CPV) refers to persistent physical, psychological, or financial violence perpetrated by children or adolescents against their parents. Although CPV has attracted increasing academic and professional attention in recent years, evidence regarding its predictors remains fragmented. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize empirical evidence on the predictors of adolescent CPV, with a particular focus on developmental victimization, personality traits, and psychopathology. Violence refers to the intentional use of physical, psychological, or symbolic force to cause harm, control, or suffering, while aggression corresponds to intentional behavior aimed at harming another individual, which may or may not involve physical violence and is often broader and more situational. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024596076). Searches were carried out in January 2025 across six electronic databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL). Empirical studies published between 2000 and 2025 examining predictors of CPV in adolescence, namely developmental victimization, personality traits, and psychopathology, were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: The search identified 862 records, of which 46 studies met the inclusion criteria and were retained for full-text analysis. Most studies were quantitative in design and published within the last 15 years, with Spain accounting for most of the empirical evidence. The findings consistently demonstrated associations between CPV and exposure to direct or vicarious family victimization, maladaptive personality traits—particularly psychopathic features—and a range of psychopathological symptoms, including substance use, mood and anxiety disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Conclusions: The results support a multifactorial and developmental understanding of CPV, highlighting early victimization as a central risk context interacting with personality and mental health vulnerabilities. Limitations of the existing literature are discussed, and directions for future research are proposed, emphasizing the need for longitudinal and qualitative studies to inform prevention and intervention strategies. Full article

Although the consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) for female victims have been widely documented, the psychological and academic correlates of perpetration remain underexplored. This study examines whether emotional distress statistically mediates the association between IPV perpetration and academic presenteeism among male university students. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 343 students from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés in Bolivia. Using validated instruments and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, we assessed direct and indirect associations. Findings indicate that 50.1% of students reported perpetrating at least one form of IPV since entering university, with stalking and psychological violence being most common. Perpetrators reported higher levels of emotional distress compared to non-perpetrators and exhibited higher academic presenteeism (reduced academic functioning despite physical attendance). The structural model indicated a significant indirect statistical effect of IPV perpetration on academic presenteeism through emotional distress (β = 0.137, p < 0.001), accounting for 36.2% of the total effect. These findings suggest that universities may consider perpetrator-focused components within broader prevention and support systems, integrating behavioral accountability with screening, referral, and academic support while recognizing that intervention effectiveness was not tested in this study. Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical public health concern in South Africa, which ranks among the countries most severely affected worldwide. Women and girls are reported to bear the greatest burden, with men predominantly identified as perpetrators. GBV is particularly prevalent in densely populated areas such as informal settlements, where adverse socioeconomic conditions create fertile ground for its proliferation. Despite the scale of this problem, to the researchers’ knowledge, few studies, especially qualitative ones, have been conducted in such contexts, even though informal settlements are widespread across the country. To generate nuanced insights into this phenomenon, the current study explored the lived experiences of women victims of GBV in Alexandra, one of South Africa’s largest informal settlements. The study was grounded in an interpretive paradigm, employed a qualitative approach, and adopted a single-case-study design. Participants were purposively selected from a population of women victims of GBV, and the sample size was determined through data saturation. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) with Nvivo version 15 software and interpreted through the lens of feminist theory. The findings revealed that GBV has profound effects on women’s emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, extending beyond the immediate incidents to also affect their overall functioning, erode self-confidence, and limit opportunities for independence. The use of intimidation and coercion tactics by perpetrators trapped victims in a cycle of dysfunction which diminished agency, and fostered isolation. Interpreting these findings through a feminist lens highlights the systematic and recurrent nature of GBV, which cuts across personal, structural and relational dimensions. The findings underscore the urgent need for context-specific interventions that will help dismantle structures of abuse while supporting victims’ and/or survivors’ autonomy, recovery and, most importantly, capacity to rebuild identity and trust. Full article

Background/Objectives: The phenomenon of bullying represents a major issue in school settings worldwide, despite extensive research on the topic. This study aimed to investigate the associations between bullying perpetration, victimization, and assertive behavior among primary school students. Methods: The sample consisted of 352 fourth-grade students (174 boys and 178 girls; aged 10–11 years) from 7 schools in Iași, Romania. Bullying perpetration and victimization were assessed using the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument–Bully/Target (APRI-BT), while assertive behavior was assessed using the Children’s Assertive Behavior Scale (CABS). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Results: Positive correlations ranging from weak to strong were identified between bullying perpetration and victimization in both boys and girls. Bullying perpetration and victimization were also associated with assertive behavior and nonassertive behaviors, although most correlations were weak in magnitude. Conclusions: The findings highlight the complexity of bullying-related interpersonal dynamics during late childhood and may have implications for school-based social and emotional learning and bullying prevention interventions during this developmental stage. Full article

Introduction: This systematic review identified studies published between 2015 and 2024 that examined the relationship between attachment styles and emotional dependence in relation to intimate partner violence (IPV). Method: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, four databases (Web of Science [WoS], Scopus, ProQuest, and PubMed) were searched using a combination of descriptors and Boolean operators. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 studies were selected. Results: A significant and predominant association was found between anxious attachment and emotional dependence, both identified as risk factors for the perpetration and victimization of IPV. An elevated prevalence of bidirectional IPV was also observed. Discussion: The findings highlight the interaction between attachment styles, emotional dependence, and other psychological risk factors that may influence both victimization and perpetration of violent behavior in intimate partner relationships. Furthermore, the bidirectional nature of IPV in heterosexual relationships is emphasized, given its association with the increasing prevalence of this phenomenon and the challenge it poses to the prevailing social model that conceptualizes men as aggressors and women as victims. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for more clearly differentiated and methodologically robust research, as well as for the expansion of comprehensive psychosocial interventions that account for the bidirectional nature of violence and promote secure attachment bonds from a developmental and contextual perspective. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased adolescent digital engagement, but whether the rise in cyberbullying persists beyond the crisis is not well understood, especially in Southeast Asia. This study examined social media addiction, perceived stress, emotional intelligence, and cyberbullying among 416 Thai secondary students (grades 7–12) during the pandemic-to-endemic transition (June–October 2023). Participants completed validated Thai-language instruments assessing cyberbullying, social media addiction, perceived stress, and emotional intelligence. Results showed 66.4% of adolescents were involved in cyberbullying, with 32.2% as bully-victims. Social media addiction correlated with cyberbullying perpetration (r_s = 0.33, p < 0.001) and victimization (r_s = 0.22, p < 0.001), as did perceived stress (r_s = 0.20 and 0.29; p < 0.001). Emotional intelligence showed negative correlations with cyberbullying perpetration (r_s = −0.15, p = 0.002) and victimization (r_s = −0.10, p = 0.048). Over one-third (34.4%) were at high risk for social media addiction. These findings indicate that during the pandemic-to-endemic transition, Thai adolescents showed elevated cyberbullying involvement, high social media addiction, and moderate-to-high stress—a profile consistent with sustained digital risk. These results highlight the need for integrated interventions that address digital wellness, stress management, and the development of emotional intelligence among Thai adolescents. Full article

Background: Despite the general interest in WPV against healthcare workers, there is evidence that this topic has comparatively fewer studies conducted in the context of community settings than in hospital settings. Given the current general transition of care from hospital to community, this study aims to analyze whether community settings present different characteristics in comparison with hospital settings on this topic in Italy. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from 2020 to 2024 on aggressions reported by HCWs in hospitals and community settings belonging to a Local Health Authority of Turin in Piedmont. For physical and non-physical aggressions, a monthly time trend series was constructed. A Mantel–Haenszel fixed-effect meta-analysis was performed to obtain the odds ratio (OR) in two settings. Variables relative to aggressions included the gender of victims, their professional category (medical doctors, nurses, other HCWs), the type and gender of perpetrators (relative, patient, or unknown person), age groups of perpetrators (under 30, 30–49, ≥50), the nature of aggression (physical, non-physical), recidivism, involvement of law enforcement, and time of occurrence (morning, afternoon, or evening/night). Events within hospitals were further classified into emergency department, psychiatric ward, and other wards, while events within community settings were classified as drug addiction service units (serDs), long-term care (including specialist outpatient services, home services, and nursing homes) (LTC), mental health centres, and penitentiary assistance. Results: The results highlighted that fewer WPV incidents were reported in community settings than in hospital settings, even though reported incidents showed a more pronounced increase over time. Differences were observed in a few characteristics of WPV (age classes of aggressors, recidivism, time of aggression, profession of the assaulted worker, and specific location). Only the gender of the assaulted (female workers) (OR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.27–7.61; p = 0.013; OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.79; p = 0.013 for non-physical and physical violence, respectively, compared to male workers) was identified as a specific risk factor for community settings. Conclusions: Modern health systems are experiencing a transition from hospital-centred to community-centred care settings. This study suggested that WPV is a significant concern, even outside the hospital. Community-based services often involve direct interaction with frail and chronically ill patients and their caregivers, as well as care delivery in diverse and sometimes less controlled environments, which may influence exposure to aggressive behaviours. The identification of setting-specific risk patterns in both hospital and community contexts provides valuable insights into workplace violence and may support the planning and implementation of targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the frequency and burden of WPV. Full article

Background/Objectives: Online sexual violence is an increasingly prevalent form of gender-based harm facilitated by digital technologies, with significant consequences for the health, well-being, and rights of adult women. Despite growing attention to this phenomenon, women’s lived experiences remain underexplored, particularly regarding sexual consent and institutional responses. This study aimed to examine how adult women experience online sexual violence, how consent is negotiated or constrained in digital contexts, and how coping and institutional mechanisms are perceived. Methods: A qualitative study with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted. Data were collected through three focus groups with 23 women aged 21 to 42 years who were active users of social media. Results: Participants reported diverse forms of online sexual violence, including unsolicited sexual messages and images, persistent harassment, coercion, blackmail, and threats. Sexual consent was often undermined by emotional manipulation, social pressure, and fear, placing women in vulnerable positions. These experiences negatively affected well-being, contributing to anxiety, reduced self-esteem, fear, and difficulties in sexual and emotional relationships. Coping strategies were mainly individual, such as blocking perpetrators or reporting content, while social support was frequently perceived as insufficient. A generalized distrust of institutional responses emerged, with formal mechanisms viewed as ineffective or inaccessible. Conclusions: For the study participants, online sexual violence is increasingly normalized and concealed within digital environments, reinforced by anonymity and impunity. The findings highlight the need for continued research and the development of interventions that include early sexual and emotional education, awareness-raising initiatives, digital regulation, specialized professional training, and the strengthening of victim-centered support networks. Full article

The emotional responses to bullying victimization are central to its impact on subsequent psychological consequences, but the role of specific emotions is insufficiently defined within a comprehensive framework. In order to enhance the understanding of the emotional experiences of bullying victims, the present review examines the role of self-conscious emotions (i.e., humiliation, shame, and guilt), the role of basic emotions (i.e., anger and fear), and various psychological consequences (e.g., anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation). A non-systematic, narrative approach was employed to synthesize the findings, with a total of 343 articles included in the review. Self-conscious emotions appear to be central to bullying victimization, with humiliation being particularly pivotal due to its link to internalized self-devaluation, perceived injustice, and attribution of cruelty to the perpetrator. In turn, anger and fear seem to constitute crucial basic emotions in response to bullying dynamics. Although anger may escalate aggression, it may also facilitate positive confrontational behaviors when properly channeled, whereas fear may contribute to avoidance and increased victimization if sustained. Adverse psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation are prevalent among victims of bullying, potentially exacerbated in vulnerable groups. Future research should further explore the role of emotions in the context of bullying victimization, examining their impact on both mental health outcomes and behavioral patterns over time. Exploring how different emotional responses interact and influence each other within bullying dynamics could provide insights into effective intervention strategies, and a more comprehensive understanding of the sociocultural factors influencing emotional responses to bullying might help in customizing prevention and support measures across diverse contexts. Full article

Domestic violence against men remains significantly under-recognized, despite affecting 20–40% of men worldwide. Societal stigma, gender-normative expectations, and institutional biases often discourage help-seeking behaviors among male victims. This retrospective analysis characterizes domestic violence against adult men by examining victim–perpetrator dynamics, injury patterns, reporting behaviors, and behavioral barriers to help-seeking within an Italian emergency department setting. Overall, 80 adult male domestic violence victims presenting to the Emergency Department of Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy) between January 2017 and December 2022 were examined. Data included demographics, injury characteristics, perpetrator relationships, and formal reporting rates. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between victim characteristics and help-seeking behaviors. The majority of victims were Italian men (age range 18–90 years, mean 44.2 ± 15.1); of these, 55% experienced IPV perpetrated by female partners. Physical injuries were predominantly minor (classified as minor according to ED prognosis ≤ 7 days) (78.8%), including abrasions and contusions affecting the head (52.5%), neck (28.8%), and upper limbs (41.3%). Formal reports were filed with judicial authorities in 58.8% of cases, yet only 15% accepted protective interventions. Visible facial injuries (OR = 3.85, 95% CI, p = 0.004) and female perpetrators (OR = 8.23, 95% CI, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of formal reporting. Documented behavioral barriers included stigma (68%), fear of disbelief (45%), and adherence to traditional masculine norms (52%). Our findings demonstrate that male domestic violence victims face substantial behavioral and systemic barriers that prevent help-seeking. Enhanced clinical–forensic training, gender-inclusive response protocols, and public awareness campaigns are essential to provide equitable support and reduce under-reporting. Full article

Background/Objectives: Domestic violence against women is a widespread global health issue profoundly affecting victims, their families, and society. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, risk factors, and health sequelae of domestic violence among females during reproductive age in Sharkia governorate, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from April to December 2024. A total of 379 females of reproductive age (15–49 years) were recruited using simple random sampling from secondary schools and Maternal and Child Health centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, violence exposure (physical, psychological, economic, and sexual), risk factors, causes, severity, perpetrators, and consequences. Results: The overall prevalence of domestic violence was 88%. Psychological violence was the most common form (78%), followed by physical violence (63%), and economic violence (43%). Insults were the predominant form of verbal abuse, while slapping and beating were the most common manifestations of physical violence. Husbands were identified as the primary perpetrators across all violence types. Major risk factors included cigarette use by the abuser (47%), alcohol and drug use (14%), and psychological problems (11%). The most frequently reported consequences were anxiety, fear, and depression (82%), followed by insomnia (55%) and seeking separation (49%). Conclusions: Domestic violence against women of reproductive age is highly prevalent in the study setting, with significant physical and psychological consequences. Comprehensive interventions, including awareness campaigns, legal enforcement, women empowerment programs, and healthcare provider training, are urgently needed to address this critical public health issue. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although cyberbullying among adolescents has been widely studied, relatively little attention has been paid to the overlapping roles through which cyberbullying is experienced. This study reconceptualizes cyberbullying involvement by classifying perpetration, victimization, and witnessing into eight mutually exclusive involvement types, enabling systematic and non-overlapping comparison of adolescents’ experiences. The study further examines how engagement in individual-level cyber-risk indicators is associated with different patterns of cyberbullying involvement. Methods: The study analyzed nationally representative data from the 2022 Cyberbullying Survey conducted by the Korea National Information Society Agency, including 9693 students from elementary, middle, and high schools across South Korea. Individual-level cyber-risk indicators were assessed through multiple dimensions, including risky online behaviors, intensity of digital activity, peer environments, and awareness of harmful online behaviors. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between individual-level cyber-risk indicators and the eight types of cyberbullying involvement. Results: Engagement in individual-level cyber-risk indicators was associated with increased odds of involvement in at least one cyberbullying type. Risky online behaviors and exposure to peers engaging in cyberbullying were linked to higher likelihood of both single and overlapping involvement patterns, whereas greater acceptance of harmful online behaviors was consistently associated with lower odds of victimization. Conclusions: These findings underscore cyberbullying as a relational and context-dependent phenomenon shaped by everyday digital practices and peer norms rather than isolated individual behavior. From a school social work perspective, the results support preventive, environment-focused interventions, including school-based media literacy education and institutionalized cyberbullying response systems, as promising strategies for reducing cyberbullying involvement among adolescents. Full article