The Structural Model of Cyberbullying-Cybervictimization Experience Based on Perceived Social Support, Mediated by Self-Esteem in Adolescents
Keywords:
Cyberbullying, Perceived social support, Self-esteem, Cyber victimization, AdolescentsAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the structural model of cyberbullying-cybervictimization experience based on perceived social support with the mediating role of self-esteem among adolescents.
Methods and Materials: This was a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all high school students (second stage) in Tehran during the 2023–2024 academic year. A sample of 400 students was selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Cyberbullying-Victimization Experience Questionnaire (CBVEQ), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-26 and Amos-24.
Findings: Path analysis revealed a significant positive effect of perceived social support on self-esteem (β=0.438, p<0.001). Self-esteem had a significant negative effect on cyberbullying-cybervictimization experience (β=-0.317, p<0.001), while perceived social support directly and negatively influenced cyberbullying-cybervictimization (β=-0.567, p<0.001). Sobel test confirmed the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between perceived social support and cyberbullying-cybervictimization (Z=-7.933, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that perceived social support acts as a protective factor against negative virtual experiences by enhancing adolescents’ self-esteem. Strengthening familial, peer, and social support systems, along with promoting self-esteem, can significantly reduce the risk of cyberbullying and cybervictimization among adolescents.
Downloads
References
Agustiningsih, N., Yusuf, A., & Ahsan, A. (2024). Relationships Among Self-Esteem, Bullying, and Cyberbullying in Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(5), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20231013-01
Cavallo, N. D., Maggi, G., Ferraiuolo, F., Sorrentino, A., Perrotta, S., Carotenuto, M., Santangelo, G., & Santoro, C. (2023). Neuropsychiatric Manifestations, Reduced Self-Esteem and Poor Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1): The Impact of Symptom Visibility and Bullying Behavior. Children, 10(2), 330. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10020330
Han, Y. (2025). Gender Differences in the Psychological Effects of Cyberbullying on Chinese Adolescents' Self-Esteem. Communications in Humanities Research, 56(1), 146-149. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/2024.21737
Haura, A. T., & Ardi, Z. (2020). Student’s Self Esteem and Cyber-Bullying Behavior in Senior High School. Jurnal Aplikasi Iptek Indonesia, 4(2), 89-94. https://doi.org/10.24036/4.24357
Hidayat, D., Nur, R. A., Saputri, A., Lyndon, N., & Gustini, L. K. (2024). Characteristics, Role of Social Media and Self Esteem of Victims in Cyberbullying Cases in Indonesia. Nyimak Journal of Communication, 8(2), 223. https://doi.org/10.31000/nyimak.v8i2.10979
Iswanti, D. I. (2025). Exploring the Condition of Cyberbullying Victimization on Adolescents' Self-Esteem: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal Of Nursing Practice, 8(3), 496-506. https://doi.org/10.30994/jnp.v8i3.566
Juan de Dios Benítez, S., Falla, D., Alcaide, F. C., & Zych, I. (2024). Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Empathy as Longitudinal Predictors of Self-Esteem. Psychology Society & Education, 16(3), 63-71. https://doi.org/10.21071/pse.v16i3.16243
Khan, B. A., Shamsdin, Kubra, Asif, M. F., & Jabeen, N. (2025). Cyberbullying and Its Psychological Effects on Secondary School Students in Urban Pakistan. Journal of Social Sciences Review, 5(1), 189-196. https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v5i1.483
Maidartati, M., Irawan, E., Tania, M., Saputra, A., & Firdaus, S. B. (2024). The Relationship Between Cyberbullying and Self-Esteem in Adolescents at Global Edu High School. International journal of health sciences, 2(1), 414-428. https://doi.org/10.59585/ijhs.v2i1.325
Mashuri, S. F., & Ambarwati, K. D. (2024). Self Esteem Pada Remaja Korban Cyberbullying Di Sma Islam Sudirman Ambarawa. Jurnal Psikologi Malahayati, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.33024/jpm.v6i2.16079
Mauludi, M. I., & Fasikhah, S. S. (2024). The Mediating Role of Emotional Competence in the Association Between Self-Esteem and Cyberbullying Victimization Among Adolescents. Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi Terapan, 12(2), 133-139. https://doi.org/10.22219/jipt.v12i2.31039
Mohamed, E., Hassan, E. E., Hassan, Z., Abouzeid, O. N., & Mohammed, M. (2023). Adolescents Cyberbullying and Its Consequences on Self-Esteem and Suicidal Thoughts at Minia Governorate, Egypt. Minia Scientific Nursing Journal, 013(3), 35-46. https://doi.org/10.21608/msnj.2023.233705.1077
Noor, Q., Rashid, A., Abbasi, P., Babar, T., Abbasi, N. M., & Rubab, M. (2025). The Effect of Cyberbullying Victimization on Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being in Young Adults. Aijss, 4(1), 147-162. https://doi.org/10.63056/acad.004.01.0049
Octavia, D., Sari, R. M., Merdekawati, D., Marisdayana, R., & Yuliyana, R. (2022). The Correlation Between Parental Communication Pattern, Self-Esteem, and Moral Disengagement With Cyberbullying Behavior in Early Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study. Jurnal Ners, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.20473/jn.v17i1.24539
Oktavia, D. A., Salsabiyla, R., Noviyanti, A. D., Budianto, S., & Pasopati, R. U. (2024). Cyberbullying and Its Impacts on Self-Loathing Behavior. Eckll, 11(1), 185-196. https://doi.org/10.25139/eckll.v11i1.7709
Palermiti, A. L., Bartolo, M. G., Musso, P., Servidio, R., & Costabile, A. (2022). Self-Esteem and Adolescent Bullying/Cyberbullying and Victimization/Cybervictimization Behaviours: A Person-Oriented Approach. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 18(3), 249-261. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.5379
Pertiwi, Y., & Karneli, Y. (2024). Digital Module With the SFBC Approach to Increase the Self Esteem of Cyberbullying Victims. Journal of Educational Health and Community Psychology, 13(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.12928/jehcp.v13i1.28359
Pribadi, R. (2023). Pengaruh Cyberbullying Terhadap Harga Diri Pada Dewasa Awal Korban Cyberbullying Di Twitter. JRP, 6(3), 113. https://doi.org/10.24036/jrp.v6i3.15036
Salsabila, S., & Kusdiyati, S. (2023). Pengaruh Self-Esteem Terhadap Cyberbullying Victimization Pada Remaja Di Jawa Barat. Bandung Conference Series Psychology Science, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.29313/bcsps.v3i1.5142
Talwar, P. (2022). Potential Sociodemographic Predictors of Cyberbullying Behavior Among University Students. Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 31(1), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.4103/mjp.mjp_7_22
Tetteh, A., Awaah, F., & Addo, D. (2022). Perception of Cyberbullying Among Students: The Study of a Developing Country. Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research, 15(2), 163-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/jacpr-06-2022-0726
Truc, Q. H. T. (2021). Cyberbullying Victimization Among Vietnamese College Students: Social Support, Self-Esteem, Coping Strategies and Depression. Journal of Science Social Science, 66(3), 185-193. https://doi.org/10.18173/2354-1067.2021-0061
Truc, Q. H. T., & The, H. H. (2022). Factors Related to University Students’ Cyberbullying in Central Vietnam. Journal of Science Educational Science, 67(4), 188-198. https://doi.org/10.18173/2354-1075.2022-0057
Wachs, S., Vazsonyi, A. T., Wright, M. F., & Jiskrova, G. K. (2020). Cross-National Associations Among Cyberbullying Victimization, Self-Esteem, and Internet Addiction: Direct and Indirect Effects of Alexithymia. Frontiers in psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01368
Xia, T., Liao, J., Deng, Y., & Lin-li, L. I. (2023). Cyberbullying Victimization and Social Anxiety: Mediating Effects With Moderation. Sustainability, 15(13), 9978. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15139978
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 عاطفه غرقی, محمدرضا بلیاد, نیلوفر طهمورسی, معصومه ژیان باقری (نویسنده)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
