Cyberbullying and Its Impact on Self-Esteem and Emotional and Behavioral Problems Among University Students in Kuwait – A Cross-Sectional Study

Layal Aloufan, Mohammed AlRasheed, Danah Alfalah, Ahmad Muqaddam, Lianne Abdullah, Munirah Alfahad, Asmaa AlKandari, Tareq Nasri and Dalal Murad

Global Journal of Health Science, 2024, vol. 16, issue 1, 36-45

Abstract: INTRODUCTION- Cyberbullying is a modern phenomenon with public health implications due to the associated serious mental disorders, emotional distress, substance use, and suicidal behaviour. Young people are at a higher risk of cyberbullying and its complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cyberbullying and its relationship with self-esteem and behavioural problems among Kuwait University Students. METHODS- A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven randomly selected colleges of Kuwait University using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included three sections- Cyberbullying questions, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS- A total of 1252 students were included with a mean age of 20.58 years. Most students were females (n=1049, 84.2%), single (n=1078, 86.4%) and Kuwaiti (89.3%). Of the cohort, 194 students (15.8%) have been cyberbullied in their lifetime and 4% (n=49) were cyberbullied in the last 30 days. Female students (OR =2.677, P<0.001) and students with divorced (OR=2.35, P<0.006) or separated (OR=3.730, P<0.006) parents had a higher risk of being affected by cyberbullying. In addition, participants who were dissatisfied with their financial situation were more likely to be affected by cyberbullying (OR=1.096, P=0.008). Emotional problems (P<0.001), conduct problems (P<0.001), hyperactivity problems (P=0.029), peer problems (P<0.001), externalizing problems (P<0.001) and internalizing problems (P<0.001) were higher among students who were exposed to cyberbullying in their lifetime compared to other students. CONCLUSION- This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of cyberbullying among college students in Kuwait. Since emotional problems and self-esteem are significantly related to cyberbullying, university-wide public health promotion campaigns are encouraged to address the negative consequences of cyberbullying on students’ psychological health.

Date: 2024
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