Perceived COVID-19 stress and online aggression among Chinese first-year college students: a moderated mediation model

Abstract

PurposeFew studies have explored factors that may account for potential mechanisms between perceived coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stress and online aggression. The current study examined a moderated mediation model with anxiety as a mediator and perceived anonymity as a moderator.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. 3,069 participants across China completed scales assessing perceived COVID-19 stress, anxiety, online aggression, and perceived anonymity.ResultsPerceived COVID-19 stress was positively related to online aggression. The association between perceived COVID-19 stress and online aggression was mediated by anxiety. Besides, the relationship between perceived COVID-19 stress and online aggression, as well as the relationship between anxiety and online aggression were moderated by perceived anonymity.ConclusionThis study explains the possible potential mechanisms for reducing online aggression in the context of COVID-19. In order to intervene in online aggression, psychological strategies are supposed to be drawn to reduce anxiety and perceived anonymity.