The Role of Peer Attachment and Normative Beliefs About Aggression on Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying

Abstract

This study examined the effects of normative beliefs about aggression and peer attachment on traditional bullying, cyberbullying, and both types of victimization. Cyberbullying departs from traditional forms of bullying in that it is through forms of technology, such as the Internet, which increases situational anonymity. Eight hundred fifty students in Grades 6 through 8 completed a survey that assessed normative beliefs about aggression, peer attachment, and traditional bullying and cyberbullying behaviors, which suggested that students who are involved with traditional bullying are also involved in cyberbullying. Adolescents with higher normative beliefs about aggression are more likely to be traditional bullies, traditional victims, cyberbullies, and cybervictims. Additionally, peer attachment was found to be negatively associated with both types of bullying and victimization. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Indian adolescents’ cyber aggression involvement and cultural values: The moderation of peer attachment

“…Peer attachment is one variable that has been examined in association with cyberbullying involvement, and it has been identified as serving either as a risk or mitigating factor, depending on adolescents' endorsement of low or high levels of peer attachment (Burton, Florell, & Wygant, 2013). Some research on cyberbullying and cyber aggression involvement has been conducted in countries other than the United States and Europe, revealing these behaviors as a global concern.…”

Living in an age of online incivility: examining the conditional indirect effects of online discussion on political flaming

“…Studies have also shown a relationship between greater perceived acceptability of aggressive behaviors and greater intention to act aggressively (Ang, Tan, & Mansor, 2010;Burton, Florell, & Wygant, 2013;Gracia & Herrero, 2006;Huesmann & Guerra, 1997;Huesmann et al, 1992;Krahé & Möller, 2004;Möller & Krahé, 2008;Zhen et al, 2011). Ang et al (2010) and Burton et al (2013) found that those who believed aggression is acceptable behavior were more likely to engage in cyberbullying.…”

“…Ang et al (2010) and Burton et al (2013) found that those who believed aggression is acceptable behavior were more likely to engage in cyberbullying. Similarly, Krahé and Möller (2004) and Zhen et al (2011) both found that perceived acceptability of aggression tactics was related to intention to engage in aggressive behaviors.…”

What is popular? Distinguishing bullying and aggression as status correlates within specific peer normative contexts

“…However, peer influence might not be exclusively related to behavioral patterns, but also to beliefs about aggression and bullying (Burton et al 2013;Huesmann & Guerra 1997;Salmivalli & Voeten, 2004;Van Goethem et al 2010). Huesmann and Guerra (1997) defined normative beliefs as the cognitions regarding the acceptability or unacceptability of certain behaviors, considering also emotional reactions.…”