Characteristics of Cyberaggression among College Student Minorities: Exploring Pervasiveness and Impact through Mixed-Methods

Authors

  • Timothy Oblad Texas A&M University-Kingsville, USA
  • Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo Texas Tech University, USA
  • Elizabeth Massengale Texas Tech University, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2017.06.21

Keywords:

Cyberbullying, Cyberagression, Communication violence, Suicidal ideation, Mixed-methods

Abstract

Despite proximity to researchers, minority college students have not been well represented in cyber-aggressive studies. The present cross-cultural study uses mixed-methods to better understand how emerging adults are impacted from cyberbullying experiences (victims and/or bullies). All students (N=1,110) were between 18-25 years (m=20.5) with close to 50% being Hispanic (N=532). Results indicate self-control and self-esteem are important predictors in cyberbullying involvement, particularly among Hispanic cybervictims. Depression and suicidal ideation also served as significant predictors in involvement for cybervictimization. Through open-ended and coded responses, several themes emerged, such as being unable to focus on academics, avoiding individuals or groups because of victimization, low self-esteem, and loss of trust. Results and implications are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.

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Published

2017-11-03

How to Cite

Oblad, T., Trejos-Castillo, E., & Massengale, E. (2017). Characteristics of Cyberaggression among College Student Minorities: Exploring Pervasiveness and Impact through Mixed-Methods. International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, 6, 192–204. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2017.06.21

Issue

Section

Special Issue: Communication Violence and Bullying in Education