Cybervictimization, self-esteem, and social relationships among German secondary school students

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By differentiating between five specific forms of cybervictimization (denigration, betrayal, social exclusion, cyberstalking, happy slapping), the present study examined the multifaceted structure of cybervictimization and specific relationships o these five forms of cybervictimization with students’ self-esteem and social relationships. Moreover, mediating effects of self-esteem were explored. Factor analyses supported the five-factor structure. Self-esteem and social relationships were negatively related to almost all five forms of cybervictimization. However, hierarchical regression analysis showed that only student–student relationships were negatively predictive of social exclusion, while only teacher–student relationships were negatively predictive of denigration, betrayal, and cyberstalking. Further, self-esteem appeared to be a negative predictor and mediator of denigration and social exclusion. Girls experienced more betrayal than boys. Older students reported lower social exclusion but more cyberstalking than younger students.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of School Violence
Volume17
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)472-486
Number of pages15
ISSN1538-8220
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 02.10.2018

    Research areas

  • Psychology - Cybervictimization , self-esteem , social relationships , students