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

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

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

10.30476/jhmi.2025.106194.1273

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 parent-child 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.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Health Management & Information Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 October 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics