Adult cyberabuse: two intersecting studies examining intrapersonal characteristics and prediction of victimisation and perpetration

Abstract

Research on cyberbullying has predominantly concentrated on youthful populations, with scant attention to online abuse of adults. This paper reports two allied studies comprising a systematic review of recent aggregated research to derive 13 primary predictors of cyberabuse that inform an online survey of self-identified adult victims and perpetrators (n = 264). Cyberabuse victimisation is associated with potential for depression and self-harm behaviours, while perpetration appears associated with lower empathy and self-control, and narcissistic traits. The overlap of victimisation and perpetration is linked to anger and greater engagement in risky online and antisocial behaviours. Importantly, cyberbullying perpetration is the strongest predictor of victimisation and vice versa, suggesting a complex bidirectional relationship. Investigating intra-individual predictors and the overlap of victimisation and perpetration in the online space renders guidance for regulatory interventions governing digital platforms and risk reduction programmes.