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The Role of Prosocial Behavior, Aggression, and Assertiveness in Explaining Cyberbullying Victimization Among Youth

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  • Łukasz Nikel

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Zielona Góra, 65-762 Zielona Góra, Poland)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine cyberbullying among youth regarding prosocial behavior, aggression, passive aggression, assertiveness, and passive assertiveness. The study included 183 adolescents (51.4% girls, 39.9% boys, and 8.7% defined as another gender) aged 15 to 18. Aggressive, passive-aggressive, assertive, passive-assertive, prosocial, and cyberbullying behaviors were assessed using self-report questionnaires. The results revealed significant differences in how various responses to conflictual social situations relate to experiences of cyberbullying. Aggressive and passive-assertive behaviors were the strongest predictors of cyberbullying victimization. Furthermore, both behaviors significantly mediated the relationship between prosocial behavior and experiences of cyberbullying. These findings provide insight into practical strategies for dealing with cyberbullying and contribute to our existing understanding of the role of aggression and assertiveness in online harassment.

Suggested Citation

  • Łukasz Nikel, 2025. "The Role of Prosocial Behavior, Aggression, and Assertiveness in Explaining Cyberbullying Victimization Among Youth," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:760-:d:1653955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gianluca Mariano Colella & Rocco Carmine Servidio & Anna Lisa Palermiti & Maria Giuseppina Bartolo & Paula García-Carrera & Rosario Ortega-Ruiz & Eva M. Romera, 2025. "Cyberbullying Perpetration and Socio-Behavioral Correlates in Italian and Spanish Preadolescents: A Cross-National Study and Serial Mediation Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-19, March.
    2. Sławomir Rębisz & Aleksandra Jasińska-Maciążek & Paweł Grygiel & Roman Dolata, 2023. "Psycho-Social Correlates of Cyberbullying among Polish Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-34, April.
    3. Raquel Escortell & David Aparisi & María Carmen Martínez-Monteagudo & Beatriz Delgado, 2020. "Personality Traits and Aggression as Explanatory Variables of Cyberbullying in Spanish Preadolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-11, August.
    4. Monique West & Simon Rice & Dianne Vella-Brodrick, 2024. "Adolescent Social Media Use through a Self-Determination Theory Lens: A Systematic Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-35, June.
    5. Sebastian Wachs & Juan Manuel Machimbarrena & Michelle F. Wright & Manuel Gámez-Guadix & Soeun Yang & Ruthaychonnee Sittichai & Ritu Singh & Ramakrishna Biswal & Katerina Flora & Vassiliki Daskalou & , 2022. "Associations between Coping Strategies and Cyberhate Involvement: Evidence from Adolescents across Three World Regions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-14, May.
    6. Loredana Benedetto & Simone Rollo & Anna Cafeo & Gabriella Di Rosa & Rossella Pino & Antonella Gagliano & Eva Germanò & Massimo Ingrassia, 2024. "Emotional and Behavioural Factors Predisposing to Internet Addiction: The Smartphone Distraction among Italian High School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-15, March.
    7. Jacinto Martínez & Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo & Izabela Zych, 2020. "Bullying and Cyberbullying in Adolescents from Disadvantaged Areas: Validation of Questionnaires; Prevalence Rates; and Relationship to Self-Esteem, Empathy and Social Skills," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-17, August.
    8. Cinzia Guarnaccia & Abdul Rahman Rasho & Benoit Testé & Sylvain Delouvée, 2024. "Beyond the Screen: A Comprehensive Analysis of Emotional Skills and Social Networking in French Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-16, September.
    9. María Carmen Martínez-Monteagudo & Beatriz Delgado & José Manuel García-Fernández & Esther Rubio, 2019. "Cyberbullying, Aggressiveness, and Emotional Intelligence in Adolescence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-14, December.
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