Structural Modeling of Cyberbullying and Risk Behaviors in Adolescents through the Mediation of Anger Rumination

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

2 Associate Professor in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

10.22075/jcp.2025.37207.3149

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a unique developmental stage, during which many mental health challenges and psychological disorders emerge. This study aimed to examine the structural relationships between cyberbullying and risky behaviors in adolescents, with the mediating role of anger rumination.

Methods: The design of this study is quantitative in nature. The research method is descriptive-correlational and was conducted through structural equation modeling. The population consisted of middle and high school students in Bushehr city during January to March in the academic year 2024-2025 .Participants were selected through a multistage cluster sampling method. From the list of middle and high schools in District 1, four schools were chosen, and two classes were randomly selected from each school. The research instruments included the Cyber-Bullying/Victimization Experiences Questionnaire (CBVEQ), Risky, Impulsive and Self-Destructive Behavior Questionnaire (RISQ), and Anger Rumination Scale (ARS). Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used in SPSS-27 and SmartPLS 4 software to analyze the data.

Results: The results indicated that cyberbullying had a significant direct effect on anger rumination (0/36) and a significant direct effect on risk behaviors (0/44). Anger rumination had a significant positive direct effect on risk behaviors (0/47). Furthermore, the indirect effect of cyberbullying on risky behaviors through the mediating variable of anger rumination was found to be significant (0/17).

Conclusion: The research model exhibits a good fit. These results underscore the importance of teaching self-regulation and emotional management skills to adolescents who engage in cyberbullying. Training in these skills can enhance the mental health of adolescents.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 21 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 July 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics