Traditional vs cyber-bullying : associations with cognitive mechanisms and interpersonal variables in European and Asian sample
Authors
O'Dwyer, Joseph
Issue Date
2012
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Though an extensive amount of research has been conducted on traditional playground bullying (Olweus, 1993), very little academic research has been conducted on cyber-bullying. This study aims to investigate the associations among traditional and cyber-bullying groups, cognitive mechanism, specifically moral disengagement and interpersonal variables. Using quantitative comparative correlation non-experimental design a sample of 107 participants (European and Asian nationalities) completed the Smith’s Traditional and Cyber-bullying Scale (Smith et al, 2008), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980), the Moral Disengagement Scale (Bandura, et al. 1996), Acceptance of Others Scale (Fey, 1955), and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (Raes, et al. 2011). Result found an overlapping of bullying/victim gorups, male and females were involved in bullying and victim groups. More males reported to be bully and cyber-bullies. There was no significant difference between bullying groups and MD and MD and interpersonal Variables. Cyber-Bully Groups scored higher on MD mean scores, female’s score higher on interpersonal variables than males.Implications of findings was discussed and directions for future research are suggested. Author keywords: Bullying, cyber-bullying, moral disengagement