Predictors of cyberbullying amongst adolescents: The role of empathy, moral disengagement and self-esteem.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of moral disengagement, empathy and self-esteem within cyberbullying. Participants were 119 adolescents from Dublin ranging in age from 12 – 18 years old. The participants answered a questionnaire consisting of a Cyberbullying Measure, Bandura‟s Moral Disengagement Scale, a Basic Empathy Scale (BES) and Rosenberg‟s Self Esteem scale. Results showed higher scores in females than males for affective and cognitive empathy, with the greater differences in affective empathy. There were lower scores in cognitive and affective empathy among cyberbullies. No differences were found in self-esteem between those involved in cyberbullying and those not involved. Higher Moral disengagement scores were found amongst cyberbullies. Age and gender differences were observed. Results and implications are discussed further within the study.