History of childhood maltreatment and online harm: A rapid review of research.

OBJECTIVE

When the negative effects and risks associated with modern digital technologies are being discussed, the role of offline factors, including traumatic experiences such as childhood maltreatment, in determining the likelihood of exposure to online harm is rarely taken into account. The present study aimed to fill this gap by conducting a systematic rapid review of literature mapping the existing research evidence on the associations between childhood maltreatment history and vulnerability to online harm.

METHOD: The rapid review protocol was developed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Searches were conducted in two databases (Web of Science, Pubmed) in September-October 2023. A total of 40 peer-reviewed articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and analyzed.

RESULTS

Statistically significant relationships between childhood maltreatment experiences and subsequent vulnerability to victimization by and/or engagement in online harm were reported in all of the included articles. Preliminary evidence points to the existence of a relationship between experiencing childhood maltreatment and susceptibility to online harm.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the present study can guide future research on the role of childhood maltreatment exposure and its impact on vulnerability to online harms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).