Risk Factors Associated with Cyberbullying, Cybervictimization, and Cyberbullying-Victimization in Iran’s High School Students

Mohammad Saeed   Azami; Farhad  Taremian

doi:10.18502/ijps.v16i3.6261

Mohammad Saeed Azami Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran.
Farhad Taremian Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v16i3.6261

Keywords: Bullying; Cyberbullying; Internet Use; Machiavellianism; Narcissism; Sex; Self-Esteem; Students

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed at finding the risk and protective factors of cyberbullying.

Method: A total of 425 high school students (199 boys and 226 girls) were selected using a cluster randomized procedure. The risk and protective factors included gender, internet use, self-esteem, dark triad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy), school bullying perpetration, school bullying victimization, interparental conflict, and school climate.

Results: The results of multinomial logistic regression showed that being male, school bullying perpetration, and school bullying victimization can significantly increase the chances of being a cyberbully-victim and spending one hour or less on the internet can significantly decrease the chances of being a cyberbully-victim.

Conclusion: This study provides important implications for any prevention and intervention programs for cyberbullying, which must consider the roles of traditional bullying, gender differences, and internet use in cyberbullying behavior.