Graduation Year

2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Social Work

Major Professor

Anne Strozier, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Tiina Ojanen, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Nan Park, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Roger Boothroyd, Ph.D.

Keywords

cyberbullying, psychosocial, aggression, online, media, prosocial, Antisocial

Abstract

Cyber-bullying has been gaining in popularity as online technology use has greatly expanded in the past decade. There has been quite a bit of research on traditional forms of bullying, which has demonstrated links to various demographic and psychosocial factors. Participation in cyber-bullying and victimization has been linked to some characteristics that are different from other types of bullying. There has been some discussion in the literature regarding whether cyber-bullying is significantly different from other forms of bullying. The literature has also noted the need for more studies utilizing peer-report data. This study utilized peer-report bullying data to examine self-reported psychosocial and emotional adjustment correlates of physical, verbal, relational and cyber-bullying and victimization in middle school. Adjustment indices included self-esteem, depression, prosocial behavior, perceived parental support, and variables measuring friendship adjustment (e.g., number of friends, perceived friendship quality, antisocial peer group, perception of peers, social goals). Cross-sectional associations between peer-reported bullying status and self-reported social and emotional adjustment were examined in adolescents. The data supported many of the hypotheses regarding various social and emotional adjustment indices being linked to the different forms of bullying and victimization. Results have theoretical and practical implications for understanding the social and emotional impact of bullying. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Download

Share

COinS