Psychopathy and Cyberbullying: The Role of Self-Control as Moderator Among Problematic Smartphone Users

Abstract

The widespread ownership of smartphones among youth has led to an increase in cyberbullying. Studies have shown that smartphone addiction is linked to psychopathic personality traits as well as significantly predicts cyberbullying. However, self-control is considered a protective factor that can promote responsible smartphone use. Research aimed to investigate role of self-control in association of psychopathy & cyberbullying among problematic smartphone users in Pakistan. The data was collected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Screening criteria was modified from 4-hours of the smartphone usage to 6-hours daily to screen the problematic smartphone usage. 1055 young individuals were approached, and 254 were not screened as problematic users of smartphones. In second stage, 801 problematic smartphone users, 383 were male (47.9%), 418 were females (52.1%) between ages of 18-23. Data was collected using three assessment measures: (i) subscale psychopathy of short dark triad test, (ii) revised self-control scale, and (iii) subscale cyberbullying of the forms of bullying. Study reveals positive relationship amid psychopathic personality traits and cyberbullying. Study sheds light on link between psychopathy and cyberbullying and emphasizes the need for interventions that target individuals with such personality traits to prevent or stop cyberbullying in particular context.