Low self-esteem and cyberbullying perpetration among Chinese adolescents: Mediation by catharsis and moderation by sex

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between self-esteem and cyberbullying via the mediating role of catharsis and moderating role of sex. The sample consisted of 665 Chinese adolescents (317 girls; mean age = 14.56 years, SD = 0.96 years), who voluntarily participated in this study. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Catharsis Scale, and the Cyberbullying Scale. Following a PROCESS regression analysis, results showed that lower self-esteem was associated with higher cyberbullying perpetration. Catharsis played a mediating role in the relationship between self-esteem and cyberbullying, specifically increasing the risk for perpetration. Boys were more likely to engage in cathartic behaviours associated with cyberbullying compared to girls. This study’s findings contribute to the improved understanding of the correlates of cyberbullying among adolescents from a collectivistic cultural setting.