The Role of Rumination in Linking Virtual Social Networks and Parent-Child Relations to Gender Dysphoria in Adolescent Girls

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent girls increasingly engage with virtual social networks, which,
alongside parent-child relationships, may influence their psychological well-being,
particularly regarding gender identity. This study examines how social media and parentchild
relationships affect gender dysphoria in adolescent girls, with rumination as a
mediator.
Methods: Using a descriptive correlational design, this study explored relationships
among gender dysphoria, negative virtual social network effects, parent-child relationship
quality, and rumination in 316 adolescent females aged 13–18, selected via multi-stage
cluster random sampling in 2024. Data were collected using the Gender Identity/Gender
Dysphoria Questionnaire, Parent-Child Relationship Scale, Virtual Social Network Addiction
Questionnaire, and Rumination Response Scale. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM),
conducted with AMOS, tested the hypothesized relationships among variables. Model fit was
assessed using the Goodness of Fit Index (GFI), Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI),
Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA),
indicating good model fit.
Results: Parent-child relationship quality negatively correlated with rumination (β=-0.56,
P<0.001) and gender dysphoria (β=-0.36, P<0.001). Negative social media effects positively
correlated with rumination (β=0.27, P<0.001) and gender dysphoria (β=0.09, P<0.001).
Rumination positively correlated with gender dysphoria (β=0.53, P<0.001) and mediated
the relationships between parent-child relationship quality (β=-0.29, P<0.001) and negative
social media effects (β=0.14, P<0.001) with gender dysphoria.
Conclusion: Positive parent-child relationships and negative social media experiences
influence gender dysphoria in adolescent girls, mediated by rumination. Interventions using
cognitive-behavioral approaches, such as mindfulness and rumination-focused therapy,
alongside family therapy and digital literacy workshops, may promote healthier family
dynamics and safer online engagement.

Highlights

Maryam Baghbanzadeh (Google Scholar)

Sahar Safarzadeh (Google Scholar)

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Health Management & Information Science
Volume 12, Issue 4
October 2025
Pages 238-246

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