Cyberbullying by Chinese adolescents after being cyber-victimized : how does moral disengagement affect this process?

Abstract

Cyberbullying among adolescents is a serious concern, warranting the attention of both researchers and practitioners. While cyber-victimization is considered one of the most important factors leading to cyberbullying perpetration, more investigation is needed on the underlying mediating mechanisms, especially from a developmental perspective. Based on the social information processing model, this study investigated the direction of the relationship between cyber-victimization and cyberbullying perpetration as well as the underlying developmental mechanisms of moral disengagement. Parallel process latent growth curve modeling was used to jointly model the developmental trajectories of cyber-victimization and cyberbullying perpetration and to investigate the mediating role of moral disengagement. Three-wave longitudinal data—with a 1-year time interval between consecutive waves—were obtained from a sample of Chinese adolescents (N = 1,422; 50.9% girls; mean age = 13.56) and analyzed. All participants completed self-report questionnaires on cyber-victimization, cyberbullying perpetration, and moral disengagement. Results showed that both the initial level and change in cyber-victimization predicted an increase in cyberbullying perpetration over time. Changes in moral disengagement mediated the relationship between initial levels of cyber-victimization and changes in cyber-victimization, and also changes in cyberbullying perpetration. Initial levels of cyber-victimization also indirectly influenced initial levels of cyberbullying perpetration through initial levels of moral disengagement. Furthermore, gender was significantly associated with cyber-victimization, with girls showing a lower likelihood of being cyberbullying victims than boys. By investigating the development of both cyberbullying victimization and perpetration among adolescents, this study provides valuable insights for future research and intervention programs aimed at protecting adolescents in the cyber world.