Psychosocial Risk Factors for Involvement in Bullying Behaviors: Empirical Comparison Between Cyberbullying and Social Bullying Victims and Bullies

Abstract

This study explores whether risk factors on traditional social bullying are also risk factors for engaging in cyberbullying. The study examines the association between victimization, perpetration and different psychosocial factors (e.g., closeness to friends, social support, self-efficacy and social reputation) and explores differences and similarities in the relation of these variables in cyberbullying and traditional social bullying. Participants included 1058 children aged 10–12 years. Multinomial logistic regression models were the main method of analysis. Analysis revealed similarities between the three groups of victims, showing that lack of closeness to friends and a dimension of social support (social companionship) remained significant in their association with online, traditional and online/traditional victimization. Differences were found among the three groups of victims in social self-efficacy and social reputation. Regarding perpetration, ideal social reputation and lack of emotional self-efficacy were associated with online, traditional and online/traditional perpetration, as well. No differences were found among the three groups of perpetrators. According to these results, factors related to positive peer relationships and psychological adjustments are correlated with social bullying not only in offline settings but also in online environments.