Exploring the Relationship between Cyber-Bullying, Emotional Regulation, Aggression, Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescence

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between adolescent cyberbullying (both perpetration and victimization), emotional regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and excessive suppression), and psychological effects such as aggression, anxiety, and depression. Using the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory-II, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, Aggressive Behaviour Questionnaire-Short Form, and DASS-21, data were gathered from N = 400 adoloscents (n = 200 males and n = 200 females) aged 18–24 years. Cyberbullying and aggressiveness (r =. 42, p <.01), anxiety (r =. 37, p <.01), and depression (r =. 35, p <.01) showed strong positive correlations. While excessive suppression was positively linked (r =.33, p <.01), suggesting it is deleterious, cognitive reappraisal was adversely associated with cyberbullying (r = -.30,). These findings underline the negative psychological effects of cyberbullying and too strong suppression as well as the need of cognitive reappraisal as a practical tool to avoid it. Interventions should mostly target suppression and improve cognitive reappraisal.