Cybervictimization, Mental Health literacy and depressive symptoms among College students: a cross-cultural investigation

Cybervictimization is prevalent among college students, which has negative impacts on their mental health. One factor that may buffer the effects of cybervictimization on depressive symptoms is mental health literacy (MHL). It is important to study MHL because it is associated with positive attitudes towards help-seeking and more help-seeking behavior, which may result in better mental health. However, research on MHL and mental health has shown mixed findings, and most existing research focuses on Western participants. The present study examined the effects of cybervictimization and MHL on depressive symptoms among U.S. and Chinese college students. A total of 618 college students (57.6% female, 329 U.S. students, 289 Chinese students) completed an online survey. Findings reveled that cybervictimization significantly predicted depressive symptoms for Chinese students, but not U.S. students. MHL marginally predicted more depressive symptoms for U.S. students. MHL buffered the relation between cybervictimization and depression symptoms for U.S. students, but not Chinese students. Chinese students reported lower MHL than U.S. students. High MHL may serve as a buffer for stressful life events for college students.