Psychological Predictors of Cyberbullying According to Ethnic-Cultural Origin in Adolescents: A National Study in Spain

Abstract

Studying the predictors of cyberbullying is of great research interest; however, little is known about how these relationships function in different ethno-cultural groups within a similar context. Our study examines levels of cyber victimization, cyber aggression, self-esteem, empathy, and social skills as possible predictors of cyberbullying in various ethno-cultural groups: Moroccan, Romanian, Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Spanish. A multicultural sample that was representative of students in their first through fourth year of Compulsory Secondary Education in Spain (N = 25,684, age M = 13.94; SD = 1.396) participated by completing an online self-report survey. No differences were found between levels of cyber aggression according to ethno-cultural group. However, there were differences between the levels of cyber victimization between Romanians and Spaniards. Multiple linear regression analyses performed for each of the ethno-cultural groups with respect to cyber aggression and cyber victimization revealed that the presence and weight of the explanatory factors were different according to ethno-cultural origin. The best predictor of cyber victimization in the five ethno-cultural groups was cyber aggression, and vice versa. Among Columbian, Romanian, and Spanish students, cyber victimization was also predicted by self-esteem, empathy, or social skills, with predictive power of these variables differing across ethno-cultural groups. However, these variables were not predictive of cyber victimization among Moroccan or Ecuadorian students. Cyber aggression was also predicted in all ethno-cultural groups by self-esteem, empathy, or social skills. Common and unique patterns of prediction are presented and discussed to improve psychoeducational programs that prevent and mitigate cyberbullying.

Bullying and Cyberbullying in Adolescents from Disadvantaged Areas: Validation of Questionnaires; Prevalence Rates; and Relationship to Self-Esteem, Empathy and Social Skills

“…A literature review showed that most of the studies about bullying and cyberbullying have been conducted in wealthy, Western countries [ 1 ]. Nevertheless, knowledge about violence, including associated risk and protective factors, is needed the most in disadvantaged areas, including many regions of Latin America [ 2 , 3 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. This knowledge can only be gathered using validated measurement tools.…”

“…However, only 10% of studies with a focus on different types of violence have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries, even though 85% of violent deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries [ 13 ]. The number of studies on bullying and cyberbullying in disadvantaged areas is also low [ 14 ] and, at the same time, understanding the subject is the key to reducing violence globally. For these reasons, it is necessary to validate instruments, to examine bullying and cyberbullying in disadvantaged regions, and to uncover possible risk and protective factors.…”

Prevalence and psychosocial predictors of cyberaggression and cybervictimization in adolescents: A Spain-Ecuador transcultural study on cyberbullying

“…Cyberbullying is an interpersonal, aggressive, repeated behavior whose purpose is harming a victim by means of information and communication technologies [9][10][11][12][13]. The cyberaggression that causes cybervictimization -the two dimensions of cyberbullying-is developed by means of cyberspace and other telematic channels, so it can be produced and reproduced in any place and at any time [7]. For cyberbullying to happen, it takes at least two people.…”

“…Nevertheless, three out of four of the studies on cyberbullying have been carried out in European countries or the USA [5]. This phenomenon has hardly been studied in countries of other more disadvantaged regions, such as the South American countries [6][7][8]. However, there is a small number of cross-cultural studies.…”

Bullying among Teens: Are Ethnicity and Race Risk Factors for Victimization? A Bibliometric Research

“…Other signs the victims usually show are: reduced physical activity [10], decreased sleep duration [11], low self-esteem, difficulties in social skills [12], poor body image, poor eating habits [13], and consumption of alcoholic beverages [14]. More specifically, subjects who suffer cyberbullying tend to have mental health problems, engage in substance abuse, become overweight, and use video games for three or more hours a day [15].…”