Cyberbullying among South Korean Students: A Test of General Strain Theory

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Cyberbullying has been a growing societal problem in numerous countries including South Korea. Due to the anonymous nature of the Internet and other forms of digital communication devices which allow youth to deviate in an electronic form without parents’ and school teachers’ supervision, cyberbullying is a particularly challenging problem. However, numerous studies have found that cyberbullying victimization experience has significant impact on physical, psychological, and emotional well-being among the victims of cyberbullying. The current study attempted to examine the applicability of Agnew’s (1992) General Strain Theory to cyberbullying behaviors using a South Korean youth sample. Results suggest that students who experience higher levels of strain are more likely to engage in cyberbullying behaviors. In addition, there was the mediating effect of negative emotions (anger) on the relationship between strain and cyberbullying behaviors as GST maintains. Implications of these findings and suggestions for further research are considered.

Author

• Hyeonna Bak, Indiana University of Pennsylvania