Cyberbullying Victimization and Cyberbullying Perpetration with Self-Esteem as the Moderator

Abstract

Cyberbullying is a growing phenomenon with many negative and long-term effects. Past literature has not been consistent in the findings with regard to the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and perpetration. The role of self-esteem in its interaction from both aspects of cyberbullying has also been inconclusive. This study therefore sought to examine the relationship between cyberbullying victimization, cyberbullying perpetration with self-esteem as its moderating factor. 120 participants (aged 18 to 25 years old) were recruited to complete the surveys comprising the Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression was run to analyse the predictive relationship of the variables. One finding shows that cyberbullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration have positive correlation which may explain the propagation of the vicious cycle. The other finding did not seem to highlight the role of self-esteem in mediating the perpetration and victimization of cyberbullying. This study nevertheless provides valuable insights to the nature of cyberbullying which can assist in the management of this pervasive social ill in community programmes.