Predicting cyber bullying based on dark personality traits, online self-disclosure and difficulty in emotion regulation: a mediating role of self-esteem among students
Subject Areas : Psychology
فاطمه تولايی
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مرضيه السادات سجادی نژاد
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Abstract :
This study aimed to predict cyberbullying among adolescents based on dark personality traits, online self-disclosure, and difficulties in emotion regulation, considering the mediating role of self-esteem. The Statistical population was the whole high school students of Khansar in the year 2021-2022 which whom 250 participants were selected by cluster sampling method. Data collection tools include Cyberbullying/Victimization Experiences Questionnaire Antoniado et al (2016), Jonason and Wister's dark personality traits questionnaire (2010), Valkenberg and Peter's online self-disclosure Questionnaire (2007), Jorberg et al's Difficulty in Emotions Regulation questionnaire (2016) and Rosenberg's self-esteem questionnaire (1965). The hypothesis was tested by the structural equation model. The results indicated a significant and direct effect of dark personality traits, online disclosure of personal information, and difficulties in regulating emotions as well as the direct effect of self-esteem on cyberbullying among students (P<0.05). However, self-esteem does not significantly mediate the relationship between dark personality traits and cyberbullying (P>0.05). The mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between online self-disclosure and cyberbullying was significant (P<0.05) but the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and cyberbullying was not significant (P<0.05). Findings suggest that a pattern can be observed in students' cyberbullying experiences, in which online self-disclosure and challenges in emotion regulation, influenced by self-esteem, act as predictors. Therefore, training about online self-disclosure, emotion regulation skills, and self-esteem enhancement can be made safer against the harm of cyberbullying.