Cyberbullying: The hidden side of college students. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Francisco, Sofia Mateus; Veiga Simão, Ana Margarida; Ferreira, Paula Costa; Martins, Maria José das Dores
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 43(2015)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Cyberbullying -- Reporting -- College students -- Coping strategies -- Help sources; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2014.10.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Highlights: Cyberbullying aggressors and victims tend to be men. There are different aspects regarding aggression that are experienced by victims. Intimidation acts are quite similar to those practiced in the context of bullying. Image appropriation is an indirect form of harassment, specific to cyberbullying. College students underrated their involvement in acts of cyberbullying. Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how university students perceive their involvement in the cyberbullying phenomenon, and its impact on their well-being. Thus, this study presents a preliminary approach of how college students' perceived involvement in acts of cyberbullying can be measured. Firstly, Exploratory Factor Analysis ( N = 349) revealed a unidimensional structure of the four scales included in the Cyberbullying Inventory for College Students. Then, Item Response Theory ( N = 170) was used to analyze the unidimensionality of each scale and the interactions between participants and items. Results revealed good item reliability and Cronbach's α for each scale. Results also showed the potential of the instrument and how college students underrated their involvement in acts of cyberbullying. Additionally, aggression types, coping strategies and sources of help to deal with cyberbullying were identified and discussed. Lastly, age, gender and course-related issues were considered in the analysis. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.