Cyberbullying, positive mental health and suicide ideation/behavior

Abstract

Cyberbullying has regularly been shown to be associated with suicide ideation/behavior. The present study investigated whether positive mental health, i.e., high levels of emotional, cognitive and psychological well-being, buffers the association between cyberbullying and suicide ideation/behavior. A total of 225 students completed measures of cyberbullying, suicide ideation/behavior, and positive mental health. Positive mental health fully mediated the association between cyberbullying and suicide ideation/behavior. Positive mental health seems to confer resilience and should be taken into account in clinical and preventive programs for student populations.

Keywords: Cyberbullying; Protection; Suicide risk.