- Meta-analysis found a small but significant positive association between cybervictimisation and self-injurious thoughts and behaviours in SGM samples (r = .23; adjusted r = .18).
- Evidence base is limited by few studies, high heterogeneity, cross-sectional designs, and single-item measures, restricting causal inference and subgroup analyses.
- Interaction analyses showed near zero effect of SGM identity moderating cybervictimisation on SITBs; prediction interval indicates wide variability in future effects.
Crisis. 2026 Oct 28. doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a001083. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are at disproportionately high risk of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) and cybervictimization may contribute to this risk. This is the first meta-analysis on the association between cybervictimization and SITBs in SGM samples. Methods: A systematic search of six databases identified peer-reviewed articles and theses/dissertations (2000-2025) examining the association between cybervictimization and SITBs in SGM samples, or moderation effects between SGM identity and cybervictimization on SITBs. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Two random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using correlation as the effect size metric. Study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity were assessed using PRISMA guidelines. Results: Ten studies yielded a significant and positive, but small, aggregate effect between cybervictimization and SITBs in SGM samples (r = .23), which remained significant after adjusting for publication bias (r = .18) and sensitivity analyses. The prediction interval (.005 to .435) indicated effects may vary widely in future studies. The meta-analysis of six studies examining interaction effects produced a near zero effect (r = -.003). Limitations: The small number of eligible studies, high heterogeneity, and reliance on cross-sectional designs and single-item measures limit causal conclusions and the ability to perform subgroup analyses. Conclusions: Findings highlight substantial limitations in the current evidence base on SGM cybervictimization and SITBs, which stymies suicide prevention and online safety policy efforts.
PMID:42947539 | DOI:10.1027/0227-5910/a001083
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