Mental Health
Outcomes of image-based sexual abuse among young people: A systematic review.
Open Access: No.
Abstract
Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) is an increasingly recognized issue, especially among young people, yet empirical research on its consequences remains relatively scarce. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024, and eligible studies were screened and quality-assessed using standardized criteria. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 12 empirical studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the psychological, social, educational and occupational consequences of IBSA victimization among individuals aged 10–24. The findings highlight severe emotional and psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Social repercussions such as bullying, ostracization, and victim-blaming further exacerbate these impacts. Additionally, IBSA is associated with significant disruptions in educational and occupational trajectories, with victims reporting school relocation and/or job loss. These outcomes underscore the parallels between IBSA and physical sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies, improved legal frameworks, and informed victim support services. The study calls for further research into the long-term consequences of IBSA and the development of interventions that address both its digital and societal dimensions. Given the legal and psychological severity of IBSA, this review also highlights the need for forensic psychological assessment, integration of victim experiences into legal processes, and the development of trauma-informed policies that support young people through the justice system.
Relevance
This review found that the most common outcomes of IBSA were shock, fear, and shame. Other outcomes included guilt, self-blame, loss of self-worth, worry, stress and distress, sadness, depression, anxiety, and, most severely, PTSD, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation. Social outcomes included bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, shaming, victim-blaming, ostracism, loss of relationships, reputation damage, and loss of trust. Educational and occupational outcomes included school relocation, job loss, reduced occupational functioning, residential relocation, and financial costs.
“Image-based sexual abuse is a serious and harmful form of digital victimization with significant negative psychological, social, and physiological outcomes for victims. Similarities between outcomes of IBSA and outcomes of face-to-face sexual abuse highlight the severity of digital sexual violence and abuse and the importance of recognizing that digital victimization can be as harmful to those involved as “traditional” victimization. At the same time, when working to prevent IBSA and other forms of digital sexual violence and abuse and when providing help to those involved, the unique aspects of digital victimization and how they can affect its outcomes must also be recognized. Unfortunately, as with sexual violence and abuse in general, the tendency to blame the victim can exacerbate negative outcomes. In conclusion, image-based sexual abuse among young people presents a serious threat to psychological wellbeing and social inclusion, with clear implications for forensic and legal psychology.”
Citation
Hellevik, P. M., Haugen, L.-E., & Överlien, C. (2025). Outcomes of image-based sexual abuse among young people: a systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1599087. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1599087
