Examining the impacts of low self-control and online lifestyles on cyberbullying perpetration among Korean adolescents: Using parallel process latent growth curve modeling

Abstract

This study tests the integrated approach of self-control and opportunity theories on cyberbullying. Growth trajectories of cyberbullying perpetration and online activities across the middle and high school period were examined using a 6-year panel data from Korean adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19. The findings showed that Korean adolescents having less self-control and less parental monitoring, and engaging in more online activities were more likely to perpetrate cyberbullying during the eighth grade but did not demonstrate significant impacts on any change in cyberbullying across times. Also, this study found the partial mediation effect of opportunity factors on the relationship between low self-control and cyberbullying perpetration. Further, the parallel process latent growth curve model revealed that the growth curves of cyberbullying perpetration and online activities were found to share a positive correlation. Finally, adolescents who perpetrated cyberbullying at an early age demonstrated a gradual decrease of online activities across times.