The Relationship between Cyberbullying, Cyber-victimization and Depression among Qatar University Students

Abstract

Background: Cyberbullying is a modern form of bullying that could be practiced electronically or on the internet. It is related to different mental health issues such as depression, which can affect both the cyberbully and the victim. Although a few studies have been conducted regarding the prevalence of cyberbullying and cyber-victimization among the younger generation in Qatar, no studies have been conducted among the young adult age group despite studies showing that they are also prone to cyberbullying. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to investigate the prevalence and the relationship between cyberbullying, cyber-victimization, and depression among Qatar University students. A self-administered close-ended electronic questionnaire was used to assess student's cyberbullying/cyber-victimization behaviors and depression symptoms. The Revised Cyberbullying Inventory scale (RCBI-II) and Patient Health questionnaire-9(PHQ-9) were used. A total of 836 students participated in the study. Pearson Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were utilized to analyze the data. Results: Overall results indicated that the majority of students have been involved in at least one of the cyberbullying experiences as follows: (6.8% cyberbullies, 29.2% cyber-victims, 35.8% both cyberbullies and cyber-victims, 28.2% not involved in either). Approximately 50% of the students scored a ten or higher on the PHQ9 test indicating symptoms of depression. Moreover, significant associations were found between cyberbullying experiences and gender (p=0.03), depression and gender (p= 0.046), and between cyberbullying experiences and depression (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that among Qatar University students, cyberbullying and cyber-victimization are prevalent behaviors that could be associated with the high reported rates of depression symptoms.