The Influence of Collective Moral Disengagement on Adolescents’ Bystanding and Defending Behaviors of Peer Bullying: Moderating Effect of Peer Conformity

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine if peer conformity controls the effect of adolescents' collective moral disengagement on bystanding and defending behaviors surrounding peer bullying. Methods A total of 314 middle school students (boys: 167, girls: 147) participated in this study. They responded to questions regarding collective moral disengagement, peer conformity, and bystanding and defending behaviors regarding peer bullying. Results Peer conformity failed to control the effect of collective moral disengagement on bystanding behavior. Further, the effect of collective moral disengagement on defending behavior was controlled by peer conformity. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of considering gender, collective moral disengagement, and peer conformity when seeking to increase defending behavior so as to reduce bystanding behavior in adolescents. Keywords: collective moral disengagement, bystanding behavior, defending bahavior, peer conformity, peer bullying