Exploring Cross-National Differences in the Mediating Role of Social-Emotional Competence Between Bullying Victimization and Well-Being

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: An International View of Social Emotional Learning

Abstract

Although research has established the relationship between bullying victimization and well-being, few studies have examined the role of social-emotional competence, and cross-cultural differences are overlooked. This study investigated social-emotional competence as a mediator linking traditional and cyberbullying victimization to well-being among adolescents in China and Canada, using data from the OECD Social and Emotional Skills Survey (Wave 1). Path analysis–based multigroup models revealed significant cultural differences in mediation pathways. For Chinese adolescents, emotional regulation, collaboration, and engaging with others mediated these effects. For Canadian adolescents, emotional regulation and task performance emerged as significant mediators. Findings highlight culturally specific mechanisms, underscoring the importance of emotional regulation in both contexts, interpersonal competence in Eastern settings, and intrapersonal competence in Western settings.

Authors

• Xuan Wang, University of Hong Kong

• Juyeon Lee, The University of Hong Kong