Self-Control, Opportunity, and Cyberbullying

• In Event: Psychological and Perceptual Aspects of Offending

Abstract

Extensive prior research has examined the effect of low self-control on delinquency, as well as whether this effect is moderated by criminal opportunity. The purpose of our study is to examine whether these relationships can be extended to cyberbullying as an outcome. In doing so, we discuss ways in which key theoretical arguments and common measurement strategies must be modified in order to apply to cyberbullying. The analysis reveals that low self-control is, indeed, a significant predictor of cyberbullying. We also find that the effect of low self-control on cyberbullying is amplified by criminal opportunities, but only when opportunities are measured in ways that are specific to computer-based crime as opposed to traditional measures of opportunity such as time spent with friends and lack of parental supervision.

Authors

• Myunghee You, Florida State University

• Brian Stults, Florida State University