Distinguishing pathways from bullying victimization to nonsuicidal self‐injury and to cyberaggression: Do perceived ostracism and depression mediate their links?

Abstract

Bullying victimization is related to increased aggressive behaviour, but little research considers both self‐ (e.g., nonsuicidal self‐injury; NSSI) and other‐directed (e.g., cyberaggression) outcomes. Moreover, little is known about the mediating mechanisms that underlie this relationship. Based on the General Aggression Model, the current study investigates the mediating roles of Perceived ostracism (PO) and depression in the relationship between bullying victimization and cyberaggression/NSSI among emerging adult. A total of 795 emerging adults (Mage = 19.66 years, SD = 1.46; 59.9% female) completed a multimeasure questionnaire measuring the targeted variables at three time points over one year. Structural equation modelling was used to test temporal mediation. After controlling for gender, age, and family monthly income, bullying victimization was found to positively predict later cyberaggression and NSSI. Mediation analysis revealed that the longitudinal association between bullying victimization and cyberaggression was mediated by PO; the longitudinal association between bullying victimization and NSSI was mediated by depression and was sequentially mediated by PO and depression. These findings extend the theory, prevention and interventions to include both self‐ and other‐directed aggressive behaviour in the bullying context. Future research and practice may benefit from an emphasis on PO and depression‐focused psychological interventions.

Longitudinal Relationships Between Bullying Victimization and Dual Social Behaviors: The Roles of Self-Compassion and Trauma-Related Shame

“… 10 Many studies and meta-analyses have confirmed the positive correlation between bullying victimization and cyber aggression among college students. 9 , 11 , 12 Considering that our study group is college students who use the Internet more conveniently, it is necessary for us to pay more attention to college students’ cyber aggression.…”

“…14 It can also be assumed that bullying victimization reduces prosocial behavior among college students because aggression and prosocial behavior have a negative link. 15 According to the theory of stress and coping, 7 individuals who have experienced bullying are more likely to feel rejected, 12 which makes them less likely to be pro-social and reluctant to assist others. Also, victims of bullying are often of low social status and have poor peer relationships, 16 which is also detrimental to the development of their prosocial behavior.…”