Journal List > J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc > v.54(2) > 1017737

Jo, Lee, Sung, Song, Lee, Lee, Cho, Park, and Shin: Psychopathology Associated with Cyberbullying among Middle School Students

Abstract

Objectives

Cyberbullying has recently become a major concern in Korea and especially poses a serious threat to adolescents. The object of this study is to examine the psychopathology of perpetrators and victims of cyberbullying.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 490 middle school students completed questionnaires on bullying and victimization experiences in cyberspace. Korean-Youth Self Report (K-YSR) was included to evaluate the psychopathology of the students.

Results

The prevalence rates of victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying were 6.92% and 3.33%, respectively. Among 9 sub-scales of K-YSR, the scores of depressed/anxious (p=0.049), thought problems (p=0.002), and attention problems (p=0.039) were significantly different between victim, perpetrator, victim/perpetrator, and control group. Multinomial logistic regression indicated that the victim group was associated with depressed/anxious [odds ratio (OR)=1.10], social immaturity (OR=1.24), thought problems (OR=1.32), and self-destructive identity problems (OR=1.16). The perpetrator group was associated with thought problems (OR=1.37) and attention problems (OR=1.21). The victim/perpetrator group was associated with delinquent behavior (OR=2.04).

Conclusion

Middle school students involved in cyberbullying were associated with psychopathologies including depression, anxiety, thought problems, attention problems, and delinquent behaviors. The risk of cyberbullying is escalating with the rapid advancement in technology. Therefore, a comprehensive approach should be employed for prediction and prevention of cyberbullying in adolescents.

Figures and Tables

Table 1

Demographic data

jkna-54-245-i001

* : 1 USD=1000 Korean Won

Table 2

Distribution of victim or perpetrator by grade

jkna-54-245-i002
Table 3

Comparison of psychopathology among victim/perpetrator, victim, perpetrator, and control group

jkna-54-245-i003

* : p<0.05. K-YSR : Korean-Youth Self Report

Table 4

Association between psychopathology and cyberbullying perpetration/victimization

jkna-54-245-i004

* : p<0.05

Notes

Conflicts of Interest The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

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