Maher Institute Inc Iranian Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 3115-848X In Press 2026 11 01 Developing a Structural Model of Family Characteristics, Cyber Addiction, and Body Image Concern: The Mediating Role of Negative Affect in Female Upper Secondary School Students Developing a Structural Model of Family Characteristics, Cyber Addiction, and Body Image Concern: The Mediating Role of Negative Affect in Female Upper Secondary School Students 1 14 EN Journal Article 2026 02 01 <p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The present study aimed to examine a structural model explaining the relationships between family characteristics, cyber addiction, and body image concern, considering the mediating role of negative affect among female high school students.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> This research was applied in purpose and employed a descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population consisted of female upper secondary school students in Shabestar during the 2025–2026 academic year. Using cluster random sampling, 400 students were selected as the study sample. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires measuring family characteristics, cyber addiction, body image concern, and negative affect. The data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with the significance level set at 0.05.</p> <p><strong>Findings:</strong> The results indicated that family characteristics were significantly associated with both cyber addiction and body image concern. In addition, negative affect demonstrated a significant positive relationship with these outcome variables. The analysis further showed that negative affect played a significant mediating role in the relationships between family characteristics and the dependent variables. The proposed structural model exhibited acceptable goodness-of-fit indices.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The findings highlight the importance of family functioning as a protective factor in reducing cyber addiction and concerns related to body image among adolescent girls. This influence appears to operate partly through the reduction of negative affect. Strengthening family relationships and implementing interventions focused on emotional regulation may therefore contribute to preventing maladaptive online behaviors and body image disturbances in adolescents.</p> https://maherpub.com/index.php/jndd/article/download/891/735