The Impact of Cybervictimization on Psychological Adjustment in Adolescence: Analyzing the Role of Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

Cybervictimization has been associated with serious emotional adjustment problems such as low self-concept and depressive symptomatology. In addition, these problems can negatively affect the well-being of the victims, manifesting in their levels of satisfaction with life. However, it should be noted that not all cybervictims develop these consequences with the same intensity. These differences seem to be related to the development of emotional intelligence (EI), as it can positively influence adolescents’ emotional adjustment and well-being even when problems arise. The objective of this work was to analyze the role of EI on cybervictimization and adolescents’ emotional adjustment, especially in self-concept, depression, and life satisfaction. The participants in the study were 1318 adolescents of both sexes and aged between 11 and 18 years (M = 13.8, SD = 1.32), from four secondary compulsory education centers in Spain. EI influences the relationship between self-concept and life satisfaction, and between depression and life satisfaction. In addition, the relationships of cybervictimization with self-concept and depression are influenced when introducing EI and its dimensions (emotional attention, clarity, regulation). These data support the idea that EI may affect the relationship between cybervictimization and adolescents’ emotional adjustment.

Untangling the Emotional Intelligence-Suicidal Ideation Connection: The Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Adolescents

“…Furthermore, EI was negatively related to suicidal ideation in both studies. These findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that EI abilities seem to serve as protective factors against mental health problems and suicidal ideation [ 3 , 9 , 15 ].…”

“…During adolescence, EI has proved to be a protective factor for both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in samples of adolescents without a history of traumatic events [ 8 , 14 ]. More interestingly, EI also has been found to mitigate the negative influence of cyberbullying and bullying on emotional adjustment (e.g., depressive symptomatology) [ 9 , 15 ] and suicidal ideation/behaviours [ 16 ]. Similarly, previous research confirmed that, among depressed adolescents, high EI protects against suicidal ideation [ 3 ].…”

Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Cybervictimization, and Academic Performance in Secondary School Students

“…Socio-emotional skills are necessary among students, both inside and outside the classroom [32,33]. Multidimensional analyses of EI in cases of cybervictimization have discovered that cybervictims pay considerable attention to their own emotions (emotional attention) but have difficulties understanding and managing them [34][35][36].…”

Profiles of Problematic Internet Use in Bullying and Cyberbullying among Adolescents

“…To do this, we consider it necessary to develop identity in a tight way in the adolescent stage to avoid this occurring at later educational stages, such as at university, and to continue to address problems in interpersonal relationships and abuse of the internet [ 26 ]. Similarly, it is necessary to promote self-esteem [ 23 ], coping strategies [ 52 ], emotional regulation [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 53 ], skills for conflict resolution and stress management, self-control, social and communication skills, and healthy leisure activities [ 16 , 19 , 20 , 54 ]. The family also has a relevant role to play in preventing internet addiction [ 6 , 14 , 18 ].…”