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Internalizing problems among cyberbullying victims and moderator effects of friendship quality

Internalizing problems among cyberbullying victims and moderator effects of friendship quality Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing problems among the youth. Moderator effects of a friendship quality were also investigated to examine if higher friendship quality moderated the negative effects of cyberbullying on psychological states of students. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 463 middle and high school students in Texas participated in an online survey. The frequency of cyberbullying victimization, the level of self‐esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, and the friendship quality were measured. Findings – There was a statistically significant association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing problems. This study supported the results of past studies by demonstrating the aversive nature of cyberbullying. However, a quality of friendship quality did not seem to moderate negative psychological effects of cyberbullying. The results indicate the complexity and difficulty of intervening with cyberbullying. Research limitations/implications – No causality inferences can be made in a cross‐sectional study. Thus, future research should examine the duration of internalizing problems. It would also be helpful to include other moderators. Practical implications – Although good peer relationships work as a buffer for traditional bullying, the association is not same for cyberbullying. Thus, an existing anti‐bullying program which includes a peer support system may not work for cyberbullying intervention. Originality/value – Researchers identified the relationship between cyebrbullying victimization and psychological difficulties; however, not all victims suffer from psychological distress; thus, it is necessary to identify what moderates negative effects of cyberbullying. Although moderator effect between cyberbullying and internalizing problems has not been well researched yet, the findings may provide important information to enable the development of effective prevention/interventions. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Multicultural Education & Technology Journal Emerald Publishing

Internalizing problems among cyberbullying victims and moderator effects of friendship quality

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References (55)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1750-497X
DOI
10.1108/17504971111142637
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing problems among the youth. Moderator effects of a friendship quality were also investigated to examine if higher friendship quality moderated the negative effects of cyberbullying on psychological states of students. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 463 middle and high school students in Texas participated in an online survey. The frequency of cyberbullying victimization, the level of self‐esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, and the friendship quality were measured. Findings – There was a statistically significant association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing problems. This study supported the results of past studies by demonstrating the aversive nature of cyberbullying. However, a quality of friendship quality did not seem to moderate negative psychological effects of cyberbullying. The results indicate the complexity and difficulty of intervening with cyberbullying. Research limitations/implications – No causality inferences can be made in a cross‐sectional study. Thus, future research should examine the duration of internalizing problems. It would also be helpful to include other moderators. Practical implications – Although good peer relationships work as a buffer for traditional bullying, the association is not same for cyberbullying. Thus, an existing anti‐bullying program which includes a peer support system may not work for cyberbullying intervention. Originality/value – Researchers identified the relationship between cyebrbullying victimization and psychological difficulties; however, not all victims suffer from psychological distress; thus, it is necessary to identify what moderates negative effects of cyberbullying. Although moderator effect between cyberbullying and internalizing problems has not been well researched yet, the findings may provide important information to enable the development of effective prevention/interventions.

Journal

Multicultural Education & Technology Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: Jun 14, 2011

Keywords: Education; Internet; Digital divide; Bullying

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