Experiences and correlates of cyber dating abuse in sexual and gender minority adolescent girls and feminine teens: implications for psychological wellbeing

Adolescents are at risk of cyber dating abuse (CDA) as many turn online to find meaningful connections. This study examined lifetime CDA experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) feminine adolescents during romantic/sexual interactions with someone they first met online, as well as the implications for psychological wellbeing. In 2022, a diverse group of SGM feminine adolescents (N=310, M-age=16.4, 63% gender minority, 43.5% racial/ethnic minority) reported their experiences of CDA. Correlates included age, race/ethnicity, gender identity, heterosexual presumption (i.e. assumed to be heterosexual by others), and sexual identity outness. Results showed a high rate of CDA in this sample, with 81% reporting at least one form of CDA. Among those with CDA experience, 62% reported more than one CDA, suggesting high rates of polyvictimization. Most common CDAs were sexual in nature (e.g. being pressured to send sexual photos). Participants reported additional CDA experiences such as suicide/self-harm threats and homonegativity or transnegativity. Adolescents who were more often assumed to be heterosexual reported more forms of CDA (polyvictimization) and poorer psychological wellbeing. Experiencing more forms of CDA was associated with more anxiety/depressive symptoms and less happiness. The findings highlight the need for SGM-specific prevention and intervention programs for this group.