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. 2021 Dec 9;16(12):e0260263.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260263. eCollection 2021.

An investigation of the relationship between cyberbullying, cybervictimization and depression symptoms: A cross sectional study among university students in Qatar

Sara Mohamed Alrajeh  1 , Huda Mohammed Hassan  1 , Aisha Salim Al-Ahmed  1 , Diana Alsayed Hassan  1
Affiliations

An investigation of the relationship between cyberbullying, cybervictimization and depression symptoms: A cross sectional study among university students in Qatar

Sara Mohamed Alrajeh et al. PLoS One. .

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 young adults 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 symptoms 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 utilized to measure involvement in cyberbullying and depression symptoms, respectively. A total of 836 students participated in the study. Pearson Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were conducted to analyze the data.

Results: Results indicated the majority of students have been involved in cyberbullying as follows: 6.8% cyberbullies, 29.2% cybervictims, 35.8% cyberbully-victims, and 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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
1. taking over the password of someone’s account, 2.using someone’s account without his/her permission and publishing humiliating posts, 3.threatening someone, 4.insulting someone, 5. sending embarrassing and hurtful messages, 6.sharing an inappropriate photo or a video of someone without his/her permission, 7.sharing a secret with others without the permission of the owner, 8.spreading rumors, 9.creating an account on behalf of someone without letting him/her know and acting like the account’s owner, 10.creating a humiliating website.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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