An investigation of the relationship between cyberbullying, cybervictimization and depression symptoms: A cross sectional study among university students in Qatar

Abstract

Background Cyberbullying is a modern form of bullying that could be practiced electronically or on the internet. It is related to different mental health issues such as depression, which can affect both the cyberbully and the victim. Although a few studies have been conducted regarding the prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimization among the younger generation in Qatar, no studies have been conducted among young adults despite studies showing that they are also prone to cyberbullying. Methods This is a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence and the relationship between cyberbullying, cyber-victimization, and depression symptoms among Qatar University students. A self-administered close-ended electronic questionnaire was used to assess student’s cyberbullying/cyber-victimization behaviors and depression symptoms. The Revised Cyberbullying Inventory scale (RCBI-II) and Patient Health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were utilized to measure involvement in cyberbullying and depression symptoms, respectively. A total of 836 students participated in the study. Pearson Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were conducted to analyze the data. Results Results indicated the majority of students have been involved in cyberbullying as follows: 6.8% cyberbullies, 29.2% cybervictims, 35.8% cyberbully-victims, and 28.2% not involved in either. Approximately 50% of the students scored a ten or higher on the PHQ9 test indicating symptoms of depression. Moreover, significant associations were found between cyberbullying experiences and gender (p = 0.03), depression and gender (p = 0.046), and between cyberbullying experiences and depression (p<0.001). Conclusion Our findings indicate that among Qatar University students, cyberbullying and cyber-victimization are prevalent behaviors that could be associated with the high reported rates of depression symptoms.

Social Media in Health Studies: A Systematic Review of Comparative Learning Methods

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The Mediating Process of Social Learning in Cyberspace: Korean College Students’ Cyberbullying

“…Francisco et al (2015) found that approximately 8% of the students in their Portuguese study reported cyberbullying other individuals at some point in their lives. In a survey of Qatar University students, Alrajeh et al (2021) reported about 7% of the students were cyberbullies, 29% had experience with cybervictimization, and only 28% were not involved in cyberbullying or cybervictimization. In a study of South Korean college students, Lee et al (2021) identified cyberbullying victimization and cyberbullying peer association as risk factors for cyberbullying perpetration, and higher morality on cyberbullying as a protective factor against it.…”

Cybervictimization and cyberbullying among college students: The chain mediating effects of stress and rumination

“…Studies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Turkey have demonstrated a strong correlation between increased Internet use and increased cybervictimization and cyberbullying (Hinduja and Patchin, 2008;Smith et al, 2008;Sticca et al, 2013). Cybervictimization and cyberbullying have become a major concern for college students (Khine et al, 2020;Martínez-Monteagudo et al, 2020;Qudah et al, 2020), and several recent studies have investigated cyberbullying behavior among college students (Alrajeh et al, 2021;Lam et al, 2022).…”