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

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

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 5, 1-12

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.

Keywords: cyberbullying victimization; aggression; assertive behavior; prosocial behavior; adolescence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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