Cyber aggression among college students: Demographic differences, predictors of distress, and the role of the university
Abstract
Using the Cyberbullying Experiences Survey, we collected data from 1,114 undergraduate students at a large public Southwestern university. In addition to inquiring about students’ experiences with bullying, we inquired about the level of distress and the digital medium used. Results showed differences in types of experiences and level of distress by demographic groups (members of Greek organizations, LGBT students), and obtained students’ perspectives on the role of the university in curbing this behavior. The strongest predictor of the level of distress was the use of Facebook to perpetrate the bullying. Implications of findings are discussed.
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Researchers have started to adopt the concept of cyberaggression, but it is being used inconsistently and interchangeably with cyberbullying.
“However, whilst researchers have started to adopt the concept of cyberaggression, it is being used inconsistently and interchangeably with cyberbullying (64–67).”
From A thematic analysis of adolescents’ perceptions of cyberbullying and cyberaggression: definitional distinctions and educational gaps (2026) · cites this paper as [64]
This research provides evidence that the concepts of cyberbullying and cyberaggression are conceptually confused amongst adolescents.
“This research provides evidence that the concepts are also conceptually confused amongst adolescents (64–67).”
From A thematic analysis of adolescents’ perceptions of cyberbullying and cyberaggression: definitional distinctions and educational gaps (2026) · cites this paper as [64]
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- Authors
- Bauman, S., & Baldasare, A.
- ORCID
- Bauman, Sheri
- Venue
- Journal of college student development
- Publisher
- Project MUSE
- Published
- 2015-05
- Volume
- 56
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 317-330
- ISSN
- 0897-5264 (ISSN-L)
- 1543-3382
- OpenAlex
- W2153427221
- Cited by
- 59
- References
- 28
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 2
- FWCI
- 9.29
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of college student development (publishedVersion)
- Project Muse (Johns Hopkins University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Hate Speech and Cyberbullying Detection
- Keywords
- cyberbullying, online aggression, university students, psychological distress, demographic differences, Greek organizations, LGBTQ students, Facebook, online harassment
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