The moderation of empathy in the longitudinal association between witnessing cyberbullying, depression, and anxiety

Abstract

While the role of and consequences of being a bystander to face-to-face bullying has received some attention in the literature, to date, little is known about the effects of being a bystander to cyberbullying. It is also unknown how empathy might impact the negative consequences associated with being a bystander of cyberbullying. The present study focused on examining the longitudinal association between bystander of cyberbullying, depression, and anxiety, and the moderating role of empathy in the relationship between bystander of cyberbullying and subsequent depression and anxiety. There were 1,090 adolescents (Mage = 12.19; 50% female) from the United States included at Time 1, and they completed questionnaires on empathy, cyberbullying roles (bystander, perpetrator, victim), depression, and anxiety. One year later, at Time 2, 1,067 adolescents (Mage = 13.76; 51% female) completed questionnaires on depression and anxiety. Results revealed a positive association between bystander of cyberbullying and depression and anxiety. Further, empathy moderated the positive relationship between bystander of cyberbullying and depression, but not for anxiety. Implications for intervention and prevention programs are discussed.

Psychological Well-Being in a Connected World: The Impact of Cybervictimization in Children’s and Young People’s Life in France

“…Although our analyses did not include any causation, we believe future study should focus on the causal link between cybervictimization, well-being, and social competencies. Notably, longitudinal data might provide rich insight into this causal link (e.g., Wright et al, 2018). Our study did not have such an objective as we could not survey the very same young people twice, and we could not make a comparison with the EU Kids Online III study as the questionnaire was changed.…”

The association between witnessing cyberbullying and depressive symptoms and social anxiety among elementary school students

“…Despite the high prevalence rate of witnessing cyberbullying and the potential for negative outcomes for cyberbullying bystanders, we could find only two studies examining the mental health risks associated with witnessing cyberbullying (Doumas & Midgett, 2020; Wright et al, 2018). Together, these studies indicate that witnessing cyberbullying is associated with depression and anxiety among middle school students (Doumas & Midgett, 2020; Wright et al, 2018), even when controlling for witnessing school bullying (Doumas & Midgett, 2020). Although these studies extend our understanding of the mental health risks for witnessing cyberbullying among middle school students, we found no studies examining the relationship between witnessing cyberbullying and internalizing symptoms among elementary school students.…”

“…Research indicates bystanders who witness school bullying report elevated rates of anxiety, depression (Midgett & Doumas, 2019a; Rivers et al, 2009), isolation (Hutchinson, 2012), sadness (Janson et al, 2009), and suicidal ideation (Rivers & Noret, 2013). When students witness bullying, they may feel anxious about becoming a target themselves or experience a degree of covictimization (Wright et al, 2018). Bystanders may also feel helpless (Janson et al, 2009; Rivers & Noret, 2013), which can lead to passive behavior and contribute to anxiety and depressive symptoms.…”

Educational Intervention Program for Coping with Youth Cyberbullying, Based on Bystanders' Involvement

“…The findings of a study carried out among college students in the US were similar (Doane, Pearson, & Kelley, 2014). Wright, Wachs & Harper (2018) have found that empathy moderated the positive relationship between bystanders of CB and depression, but not between bystanders of CB and anxiety. Little is known about the role of bystanders' empathy in CB events.…”