The Link Between Bullying Victimization, Maladjustment, Self-Control, and Bullying: A Comparison of Traditional and Cyberbullying Perpetrator

Abstract

Bullying victimization, which adversely affects the physical and mental health of adolescents, may trigger bullying behaviors. This study aimed to explore the potential pathways from traditional bullying victimization to becoming a bullying perpetrator and to compare the differences between traditional and cyberbullying perpetration. This study surveyed 1,113 high school students (871 girls, Mage = 16.85 ± 4.59) using the Bully/Victim Scale, Maladjustment Scale, Brief Self-Control Scale, and Cyberbullying Scale. Results indicated that (1) traditional bullying victimization positively correlated with bullying perpetration; (2) maladjustment mediated this relationship; (3) self-control moderated the relationship between traditional bullying victimization and traditional bullying perpetration, but not between traditional bullying victimization and cyberbullying perpetration. The study highlights the dangers of becoming a bullying victimizator, the importance of mitigating adolescent maladjustment and improving self-control, and the necessity of distinguishing between research on traditional and cyberbullying perpetration. These findings have important implications for preventing bullying among high school students.