Link between cyberbullying victimization and perpetration among undergraduates: Mediating effects of trait anger and moral disengagement

Abstract

Purpose: Based on the general strain theory and moral engagement theory, this study aimed to explore the prediction of cyberbullying victimization on cyberbullying perpetration among college students and the mediating effect of trait anger and moral disengagement. Materials and Methods: Data collected from 1183 college students (M = 20.62, SD = 1.21) from a university in Liaoning Province (China) were analyzed using the Cyberbullying Victimization Scale, Trait Anger Scale, Moral Disengagement Scale, and the Cyberbullying Questionnaire. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between cyberbullying victimization, trait anger, moral disengagement, and cyberbullying perpetration. Cyberbullying victimization also predicted college students cyberbullying perpetration through the mediating effects of trait anger and moral disengagement. The mediating effects included two paths, which were the separate mediating effect of moral disengagement and the chain mediating effect of trait anger-moral disengagement. The total mediating effect is 6.15%. Conclusion: Trait anger and moral disengagement play a mediating role in the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration among college students.