Cyberbullying and Suicidal Behavior, Self-Harm, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

Aim: Identify and systematically review cohort studies examining the association between cyberbullying (CB) and suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, self-harm, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Methods: Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. Searches for relevant literature were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsyINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane up until July 2023. Cohort studies were included that provided information regarding the association between CB and different dimensions pertaining to self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) separately. Gathered information included data on study characteristics, sample characteristics, prevalence, and associations between CB and variables pertaining to SITB. Findings were synthesized, and grouping studies as a function of the outcome variable was analyzed. Results: A total of 19 studies were included. Suicidal ideation was analyzed in 11 studies, with the majority ( n = 8) reporting statistically significant positive associations (aOR = 1.88 [1.08, 3.29], β = 0.08 to 0.47). Only a single study conducted independent analysis of attempted suicide, finding a statistically significant association (aOR 1.88 [1.08, 3.29]). Outcomes regarding the self-harm variable were equivocal, with only two out of five studies finding a statistically significant association and one of these, which conducted a gender differentiated analysis, only finding a significant association in females. Studies that considered the NSSI dimension were also inconclusive, with only a limited number of studies ( n = 5) producing contradictory outcomes. Conclusion: There is a need to continue exploring the relationship between CB and different dimensions within the spectrum of SITB through longitudinal studies. It is recommended that analyses adopt a new perspective in which short-term follow-up is prioritized or individualized follow-up periods are considered, given the rapidly changing nature of suicidal tendencies. It would be interesting to analyze the frequency, persistence, or severity of CB events and broaden research to include all age ranges. Special attention should also be given to potential gender differences and possible mediators or moderators.