Adolescent Perpetrators Research Articles

Cyberbullying Victimization and Perpetration in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Moderated Mediation Model.

Although cyberbullying victimization significantly impacts cyberbullying behaviors, research on its longitudinal mechanisms and protective factors remains scarce. A total of 1465 Chinese adolescents (52.2% female) with an average age of 16.14 (SD = 0.40) participated in a three-wave longitudinal study with 3-month intervals. Cyberbullying victimization positively predicted cyberbullying perpetration 6 months later, and this effect was mediated by impairment in personality functioning. Mindfulness buffered the predictive effect of cyberbullying victimization on impairment in personality functioning and mitigated the negative impact of impairment in personality functioning on cyberbullying perpetration. Further findings revealed that the indirect effect of impairment in personality functioning was more pronounced when levels of mindfulness were low, and higher levels of mindfulness could disrupt the mediating pathway of impairment in personality functioning between cyberbullying victimization and perpetration. The findings highlighted the importance of promoting the positive development of adolescents' personality functioning and fostering mindfulness skills to reduce cyberbullying among adolescents.

The role of bullying perpetration and victimization in adolescents' perceptions of school climate and social media usage

AbstractPrevious research has reported a relationship between adolescents' perceptions of school climate and social media use. However, the underlying mechanisms associated with the relationship have yet to be fully explored. This study aimed to examine the role of peer bullying in the relationship under consideration. This cross‐sectional study applied a correlational research model to examine the perceptions of 718 adolescents aged 11–14. Data gathering entailed the School Climate Survey, Peer Bullying Self‐Report Form, and the Social Media Disorder Scale. Significant relationships between school climate, social media addiction, and peer bullying emerged from the gathered data. The study also found that peer bullying partially mediated the relationship between school climate and social media usage, both in terms of perpetrating bullying behavior and experiencing victimization. Specifically, 22.43% of the total effect of school climate on social media addiction was mediated through exposure to bullying perpetration, while 25.10% was mediated through experiencing victimization. A notable finding of this study is the role played by a perceived negative school climate in terms of increasing social media addiction; additionally, this increase may be partially mediated by exposure to peer bullying. A discussion of the results in light of the relevant literature is included, along with suggestions for future study.

Cyberbullying Experiences: Whether and How Do the Need for Popularity and Emotional Intelligence Dimensions Affect Them?

The need for popularity and emotional intelligence (EI) have been shown to be relevant factors in relation to aggressive behavior, including cyberbullying. However, the need for popularity and EI have not yet been explored together in relation to cyberbullying victimization and perpetration in adolescence. This research attempts to examine whether the need for popularity was a relevant mediating variable in the link between EI dimensions and both cybervictimization and cyberbullying perpetration, and to identify possible gender differences. A total of 6,186 students aged 12 to 17 years (50.2% female, Mage =13.23, SD = 1.05) completed self-reported instruments. Structural equation analyses revealed that EI dimensions were directly associated with cyberbullying perpetration and cybervictimization, as well as indirectly via the need for popularity. However, self-emotion appraisal did not show links with cybervictimization. Gender differences were also found. For boys, self-emotion appraisal, other-emotion appraisal, and use of emotions were more strongly related to the need for popularity in comparison to girls. For girls, emotion regulation showed greater effects on both cyberbullying perpetration and cybervictimization. These findings highlight the mediating role of the need for popularity in the relationship between EI and cyberbullying, especially among boys. Overall, this research provides preliminary evidence that comprehensive prevention efforts to effectively combat cyberbullying should not only target EI skills directly and include a gender-tailored perspective, but also address the underlying motivations and influences related to popularity among adolescents.

Associations Between Sexualized Media Consumption, Sexual Double Standards, and Sexual Coercion Perpetration and Victimization in Late Adolescent Sexually Active Boys and Girls from The Netherlands.

This study examined associations between sexualized media consumption, sexual double standard (SDS) norms, and sexual coercion perpetration and victimization in late adolescence and whether these associations were moderated by gender. Participants were sexually active Dutch secondary school students aged 16-20years (N = 255, 58.4% girls). Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire at a single time-point. Overall, more sexualized media consumption was associated with higher odds of both sexual coercion perpetration and victimization. These associations did not differ by gender. Specifically, viewing online pornography and sexually oriented reality television more frequently were associated with higher odds of sexual coercion perpetration, whereas viewing others' sexy social media posts more frequently was associated with higher odds of sexual coercion victimization. Finally, stronger endorsement of SDS norms was associated with lower odds of sexual coercion perpetration in girls, but with comparatively higher odds of sexual coercion perpetration in boys. Results indicate that consuming sexualized media and societal sexual double standards is associated with an increased risk of sexual coercion experiences in adolescence.

Bullying victimization and bullying perpetration, social anxiety, and social withdrawal in Portuguese adolescents: A reciprocal association model.

Further research is needed to clarify the association of the different forms of bullying with social anxiety and social withdrawal over time in adolescents. This two-wave panel study with a 1-year time lag (October 2021-October 2022) examined the cross-lagged relationships between bullying victimization and bullying perpetration, social anxiety (i.e., fear or distress in social situations), and social withdrawal (i.e., consistent, and deliberate social solitude). Participants were 485 middle school students (234 girls) attending the seventh or eighth grade at Time 1 (T1) (Mage = 12.67 years, SD = 1.14 years). Social anxiety and social withdrawal were assessed using subscales of the Social and Emotional Competencies Evaluation Questionnaire. Bullying perpetration and bullying victimization were assessed using the Bullying and Cyberbullying Behavior Questionnaire-Short Form. The within-wave associations between the study variables were similar at T1 and Time 2 (T2), with the exception that the association between bullying perpetration and social anxiety was much weaker at T1 than at T2. The results of the path analysis showed that T1 bullying perpetration predicted T2 social anxiety, and that T1 bullying victimization predicted T2 social withdrawal. We also found a reciprocal relationship between social anxiety and social withdrawal. These findings highlight the importance of preventive and remediation interventions to reduce social anxiety in adolescents who engage in and experience bullying behavior.

Biopsychosocial risk factors for intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization in adolescents and adults reported after the COVID-19 pandemic onset: a scoping review protocol.

This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the biological, psychological, and sociological risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and perpetration reported after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. IPV is a significant public health concern, characterized by various forms of violence inflicted by intimate partners. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the global prevalence of IPV. While prior research has identified factors linked to IPV, the risk factors reported in the literature during this period have not been systematically mapped. Additionally, the similarities and differences in risk factors between perpetration and victimization have not been well delineated. This review will focus on individuals aged 12 years or older involved in dyadic romantic relationships. Primary studies and systematic reviews published from the year 2020 will be included. Full-text papers, preprints, theses, and dissertations published in English will be included. Studies focusing on factors unrelated to IPV risk will be excluded. Non-systematic reviews, opinion pieces, and protocols will also be excluded. Following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, systematic searches will be conducted for both peer-reviewed and gray literature. Independent reviewers will screen records, select eligible studies, and extract data using a standardized form. Key risk factors will be mapped to explore their interplay. Open Science Framework https://osf.io/c2hkm.

Inter-parental conflict and empathy in early adolescence as predictors of dating violence perpetration in adolescence and adulthood.

Witnessing inter-parental conflict is associated with dating violence perpetration in late adolescence and adulthood. This relationship may be moderated by adolescents' empathy, with more empathic youth viewing their parents' conflict behavior as less acceptable, and thus refraining from dating violence perpetration. This study sought to determine if empathy buffers the effects of inter-parental conflict in early adolescence on expected dating violence perpetration in early adolescence and actual dating violence perpetration in late adolescence and adulthood. Moreover, this study tested if expected dating violence perpetration in early adolescence and dating violence perpetration in late adolescence mediate the effects of inter-parental conflict and empathy on dating violence perpetration in adulthood. Sex differences in these relationships were also examined. The sample included 412 adolescents (52% male, 73% Black, 25% White, 2% Other) who participated at three time points between 2006 and 2022 (T1-T3, Mean age = 13, 18, 28 years). Results indicated that higher inter-parental conflict and lower empathy were associated with higher expected dating violence perpetration at T1 in both males and females. Inter-parental conflict at T1 predicted higher dating violence perpetration at T3 through expected dating violence perpetration at T1 and dating violence perpetration at T2. Empathy at T1 predicted lower dating violence perpetration at T3 directly and also indirectly through lower expected dating violence at T1 and lower dating violence perpetration at T2 in both sexes. There were no interaction effects of inter-parental conflict and empathy on expected or actual dating violence perpetration at any age.

Stalking Perpetration in Adolescents in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence can occur as a form of stalking behaviour, which is considered a pattern of repeated and unwanted behaviours towards another individual. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 498 participants from Portugal, aged between 12–21 years. Findings support that adolescent stalking perpetrators exhibited psychopathic traits, psychopathology, aggression, and childhood trauma. Results showed that anxiety partially mediates the association between childhood trauma and stalking perpetration. These findings provide a better understanding of stalking in adolescence, which allows professionals to have a more comprehensive approach when considering intervention programs. Limitations and future research are discussed.

Exploring the relationship between paternal co‐parenting behaviors and cyberbullying perpetration in Chinese adolescents: The moderating roles of psychological entitlement and gender

AbstractThis study examined the relationships between paternal co‐parenting dimensions (including integrity, consistency, conflict, and bias) and adolescent cyberbullying perpetration, delving into potential moderating mechanisms. A sample of 795 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.79 years, SD = 1.67) completed questionnaires assessing parental co‐parenting, cyberbullying perpetration, and psychological entitlement. Results showed a positive association only between paternal co‐parenting bias and cyberbullying perpetration. The study identified a moderating role of psychological entitlement, indicating a stronger link between paternal co‐parenting bias and cyberbullying perpetration for adolescents with higher psychological entitlement than for those with lower psychological entitlement. Notably, the significant association between paternal co‐parenting bias and cyberbullying perpetration only existed among boys. The study provides new insights into the roles of paternal co‐parenting and adolescent psychological entitlement in cyberbullying perpetration among adolescent boys, emphasizing the importance of mitigating paternal co‐parenting bias and reducing adolescent psychological entitlement to prevent cyberbullying perpetration.

What factors contribute to LGBTQ+ harassment perpetration? The roles of general and LGBTQ+ moral disengagement

ABSTRACT Violence towards LGBTQ+ people is a topic of growing social and research interest. The scientific literature has mainly focused on victimization, with few studies exploring the factors that could trigger LGBTQ+ harassment perpetration in adolescents. Moral disengagement is postulated as a possible predictor variable as it has previously shown a relation with other forms of stigma-based harassment. However, there are no conclusive studies available in this regard in relation to LGBTQ+ harassment. The present study aims to fill this gap by analysing the predictive role of general and LGBTQ+ moral disengagement in LGBTQ+ harassment perpetration, differentiating between cisgender heteronormative and LGBTQ+ youths. A total of 1971 Spanish adolescents aged 12–18 years (M = 15.01; SD = 1.70; 24.30% LGBTQ+) participated in this cross-sectional study. The results showed that moral disengagement predicted LGBTQ+ harassment perpetration according to moral justifications and the characteristics of the population. This study provides relevant information for preventing LGBTQ+ harassment and identifying the role of moral disengagement therein.

The Correlation between Emotional Competence and Help-Seeking In Adolescent with Deliberate Self-Harm

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is self-harming behavior without suicidal intent, so adolescents need to do help-seeking. One of the factors of help-seeking is emotional competence. This study aims to determine the relationship between emotional competence and help-seeking in adolescent perpetrators of DSH. Respondents totaled 103 people using purposive sampling technique. The results there is a relationship between emotional competence and help-seeking in adolescent DSH offenders (p = 0.000). The implications of this study can help adolescent perpetrators of DSH in overcoming their problems by increasing their emotional competence. And parents can be the first helper by communicating about what DSH adolescent perpetrators feel. And for future researchers, it is hoped that they can expand variables related to other factors related to emotional competence and can develop interventions to improve emotional competence in adolescent DSH perpetrators

Analysis of the different roles of teen dating violence in peer victimization and aggression

Different studies show the relationship between peer violence and teen dating violence. However, more knowledge is needed about this relationship. The aim of this study was to explore possible differences in peer violence (perpetrated and suffered) in adolescents with different role in teen dating violence (aggressor, victim, aggressor-victim, and not involved). The initial sample was composed of 1078 adolescents, but for the purposes of this study, only those students who had a partner in the last year were considered, 672 students (51.6% girls) aged 12-18 years (M= 14.45, SD= 1.62). These adolescents completed the CADRI scale, the VE-I peer victimization scale, and the violent behavior scale by Little et al. (2003). The results indicated that peer violence victimization and perpetration were closely related to dating abuse (victimization and perpetration) in adolescents. Students with frequent aggressor-victim role in partner relationships showed more peer violence behaviors. Girls victims of teen dating violence were more victimized by their classmates. These results show a strong relationship between these two problems, which seriously affect the well-being of adolescents.

Peer-Related Correlates of e-Cigarette Use in Australian Adolescents: a Cross-sectional Examination

Abstract Background This study examined cross-sectional associations between e-cigarette use and (i) perceived peer use of e-cigarettes and (ii) bullying (perpetration and/or victimisation) in Australian adolescents. Methods Data were collected in 2022 as part of a cluster randomised controlled trial. Logistic regressions examined associations between e-cigarette use (ever use) and the perceived proportion of friends who use e-cigarettes, bullying victimisation, bullying perpetration and “bully-victim” status (i.e. having perpetrated and been bullied). Results The sample comprised 4204 participants (Mage = 15.70, SD = 0.60). Perceived peer e-cigarette use (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 2.42, 2.77 p < .001), bullying victimisation (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.46, p = .004), bullying perpetration (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 2.45, 3.66, p < .001) and being a “bully-victim” (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 2.06, 3.24, p < .001) were associated with increased odds of ever having used an e-cigarette. Conclusions While further longitudinal research is required, results suggest that future prevention efforts for adolescent e-cigarette use could target peer-related factors, such as perceived peer use and bullying.

여자 청소년의 정서적 학대 피해와 사이버 언어폭력 가해의 관계: 내현적 자기애와 피해자 정의민감성의 매개효과

여자 청소년의 정서적 학대 피해와 사이버 언어폭력 가해의 관계: 내현적 자기애와 피해자 정의민감성의 매개효과

Pathways from childhood sexual abuse to sexual aggression victimization and perpetration in adolescence and young adulthood: a three-wave longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been identified as a risk factor for later sexual aggression perpetration and vulnerability factor for sexual victimization. However, the use of cross-sectional designs, the focus on female victimization and male perpetration, and the lack of evidence from outside North America limit the existing knowledge base. Objective: The study was designed to examine pathways from CSA to sexual revictimization and sexual aggression perpetration after the age of consent. Method: A total of 588 university students in Germany (308 female) took part in a three-wave longitudinal study covering 23 months. At each wave (T1–T3), all participants completed measures of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration. Experiences of CSA were measured at T1. Results: The rate of CSA was significantly higher for women (20.8%) than for men (12.4%). Rates of sexual victimization for women were 60.9% at Time 1 (since age 14), 22.3% at Time 2 (since T1), and 17.4% at Time 3 (since T2). For men, the rates were 39.2% at Time 1, 15.9% at Time 2, and 14.1% at Time 3. Rates of sexual aggression perpetration for women were 10.6% at Time 1 (since age 14), 3.5% at Time 2 (since T1), and 3.6% at Time 3 (since T2). For men, the rates were 18.0% at Time 1, 6.2% at Time 2, and 3.8% at Time 3. The gender differences in victimization and perpetration were significant only at T1. CSA predicted higher odds of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration cross-sectionally at T1 and indirectly at T2 and T3 via T1. Gender did not moderate the associations. Conclusion: The results confirm previous findings of elevated rates of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration in adolescence and young adulthood in victims of CSA. The implications for understanding and preventing adverse sexuality-related outcomes of CSA are discussed.

Teen Anger Management and Education: Anger Management for Adolescent Perpetrators of Violence in Special Child Development Institutions Class II Jakarta

Cases of violence committed by adolescents are quite high, indicating that violence behavior in adolescents often occurs. One of many causes of violent behavior is unmanaged anger. Acts of violence are considered as a crime, hence the perpetrators could be punished and put in a Lembaga Pembinaan Khusus Anak (LPKA) Class II Jakarta. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Teen Anger Management and Education (TAME) intervention program to improve anger management on perpetrators in Lembaga Pembinaan Khusus Anak (LPKA) Class II Jakarta. The sampling technique used for this research is purposive sampling with the criteria of adolescents aged 17-19 years old who are the perpetrators of violence. The method used is a mixed method, an approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data collected through a State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory - 2 (STAXI-2) questionnaire are analyzed by paired sample t-test using the SPSS program. The result is that the value of Sig. (2-tailed) is 0.170 > 0.05, which explains that the TAME intervention program given to perpetrators at LPKA Class II Jakarta is less significant in increasing anger management on participants. Meanwhile, the qualitative result shows changes in participant’s anger management through activeness and changes in behavior while participating in the program. Data kasus kekerasan yang dilakukan oleh remaja terbilang cukup tinggi, menandakan bahwa perilaku kekerasan pada remaja marak terjadi. Salah satu penyebab perilaku kekerasan adalah karena emosi marah yang tidak dikelola dengan baik. Tindakan kekerasan merupakan pelanggaran hukum sehingga pelakunya dapat dikenakan hukuman yang membuatnya berada di Lembaga Pembinaan Khusus Anak. Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk melihat efektivitas program intervensi Teen Anger Management and Education (TAME) untuk meningkatkan anger management pada remaja pelaku kekerasan yang berada di Lembaga Pembinaan Khusus Anak (LPKA) Kelas II Jakarta. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling dengan kriteria anak binaan yang menjalani masa pidananya karena kasus kekerasan dan berumur 17-19 tahun. Metode yang digunakan adalah mixed-method, yakni pendekatan yang menggabungkan antara metode penelitian kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Data yang tertampung melalui kuesioner alat ukur State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory - 2 (STAXI-2) dianalisis dengan uji paired sample t-test menggunakan program SPSS. Diperoleh hasil bahwa nilai Sig. (2-tailed) adalah sebesar 0.170 > 0.05 sehingga dapat dijelaskan bahwa program intervensi TAME yang diberikan kepada pelaku kekerasan di LPKA Kelas II Jakarta ku­rang signifikan dalam meningkatkan anger management partisipan. Sedangkan berdasarkan hasil metode kualitatif, menunjukkan bahwa anger management dari partisipan menunjukkan adanya perubahan melalui keaktifan dan perubahan perilaku selama mengikuti kegiatan.

Cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in US early adolescents.

The objective of this study was to determine the association between cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in a national sample of 10-14-year-old early adolescents. We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (Year 2, 2018-2020, N = 10,258/11,875, 49% female, 46% non-White). Data were collected using multi-stage probability sampling. Modified Poisson regression analyses examined the association between cyberbullying and self-reported eating disorder symptoms based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSADS-5). Cyberbullying victimization was associated with worry about weight gain (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48-3.91), self-worth tied to weight (PR 2.08, 95% CI 1.33-3.26), inappropriate compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain (PR 1.95, 95% CI 1.57-2.42), binge eating (PR 1.95, 95% CI 1.59-2.39), and distress with binge eating (PR 2.64, 95% CI 1.94-3.59), in models adjusting for potential confounders. Cyberbullying perpetration was associated with worry about weight gain (PR 3.52, 95% CI 1.19-10.37), self-worth tied to weight (PR 5.59, 95% CI 2.56-12.20), binge eating (PR 2.36, 95% CI 1.44-3.87), and distress with binge eating (PR 2.84, 95% CI 1.47-5.49). Cyberbullying victimization and perpetration in early adolescence are associated with eating disorder symptoms. Clinicians may consider assessing for cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in early adolescence and provide anticipatory guidance. Eating disorders often onset in adolescence and have among the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder. In addition, cyberbullying has increased in prevalence among adolescents and significantly impacts mental health. In a national study of early adolescents, we found that cyberbullying victimization and perpetration are associated with eating disorder symptoms. Screening for and providing anticipatory guidance on cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in early adolescents may be warranted.

Daily Chronic Stressors in Combination with Resilience Are Associated with Adolescent School Bullying and the Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms

(1) Background: Previous studies have shown that stress increases the risk of bullying (including perpetration and victimization) in adolescents, and depressive symptoms are associated with both stress and bullying. However, the relationship between stress, depressive symptoms, and bullying has not been fully elucidated. In addition, previous studies have focused only on stressors but have ignored the role of resilience in evaluating individual’s stress. This study aimed to incorporate resilience into the assessment of an individual’s stress, which we named comprehensive stress; to examine the relationship between comprehensive stress and bullying; and then to investigate the potential role of depressive symptoms in this relationship. (2) Methods: We recruited 6353 middle and high school students from the 2021 Shanghai CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Project. After signing informed consent, participants provided demographic information and completed effective measures of stressors, resilience, depressive symptoms, and bullying. (3) Results: Latent profile analysis revealed four profiles of comprehensive stress, labeled as Low stressor–High resilience (37.57%, n = 2216), Moderate high stressor–Average resilience (14.38%, n = 848), Average stressor–Moderate low resilience (33.33%, n = 1966), and High stressor–Low resilience (14.72%, n = 868). In comparison to students in the Low stressor–High resilience profile, students in other profiles demonstrated higher likelihoods of engaging in bullying victimization and perpetration, as well as higher levels of depressive symptoms. Specifically, students in the High stressor–Low resilience profile had the highest odds of bullying victimization (OR = 6.74, 95% CI: 4.92–9.22) and perpetration (OR = 5.15, 95% CI: 3.56–7.46), along with the highest level of depressive symptoms (β = 11.35, Se(β) = 0.17). Students in the Average stressor–Moderate low resilience profile had a moderate increase in the odds of bullying victimization (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.63–3.00) and perpetration (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.91–3.80), as well as a moderate level of depressive symptoms (β = 5.03, Se(β) = 0.13). Students in the Moderate high stressor–Average resilience profile also showed increased odds of bullying victimization (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2.12–4.20) and perpetration (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.88–4.20), as well as a moderate level of depressive symptoms (β = 4.44, Se(β) = 0.16). Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with both perpetration and victimization. Furthermore, the mediating role of depressive symptoms between comprehensive stress and bullying was observed. (4) Conclusions: Combining stressors and resilience is crucial when evaluating an individual’s stress. Comprehensive stress is associated with bullying, and depressive symptoms may partially mediate this relationship.

Patterns of Distinct Forms of Peer and Dating Aggression Perpetration in Adolescence

Patterns of Distinct Forms of Peer and Dating Aggression Perpetration in Adolescence

School Belongingness and Family Support as Predictors of School Bullying Perpetration and Victimization in Adolescents: Are Relations the Same for Students with an Immigrant Background?

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine school belongingness and family support as predictors of bullying behavior and victimization, and the moderating role of students’ gender and immigrant background in a large representative sample of Slovenian adolescents (N = 1925; 42.50% male). The results indicated that school belongingness significantly predicted both bullying and victimization. Family support did not contribute to the incremental validity beyond school belongingness in predicting victimization. Gender was found to moderate the relationship between school belongingness and both bullying outcomes. The relationship between school belongingness and victimization was stronger for students with an immigrant background.