Ansary, N. S. (2020). Cyberbullying: Concepts, theories, and correlates informing evidence-based best practices for prevention. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 50, 101343.
The main topic of this work is to consider cyberbullying and related concepts from a theoretical point of view to improve evidence-based practice. Since effective work in any field cannot be achieved without a precise setting of key concepts, it is necessary to consolidate the conceptual base. The central research issue is identifying the features and essential characteristics of cyberbullying to link them to future research and prevention programs. A literature review is used as a methodology to implement these tasks, including an analysis of theories that explain this phenomenon and the study of statistics and currently existing interventions. The paper’s main findings are a synthesis of currently available knowledge that shows the urgent need for additional evidence and theories to explain the criminal component of the phenomenon. In addition, Ansary emphasizes the importance of further practical research due to the need to develop effective preventive measures. This article is helpful because it provides a detailed conceptual framework and demonstrates the need for criminological research.
Barlett, C. P., Rinker, A., & Roth, B. (2021). Cyberbullying perpetration in the COVID-19 era: An application of general strain theory. The Journal of Social Psychology, 161(4), 466-476.
The subject of this study is to consider the phenomenon of cyberbullying from a social perspective using general strain theory. The work’s central issue is understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect cyberbullying prevalence. Since this phenomenon is closely related to various societal events, experiences can serve as psychological mediators leading to cyberbullying. To test this theory, the authors conducted two studies among 194 recruited residents of the United States. For them, special questionnaires were compiled to collect data on personal experiences with cyberbullying and coronavirus. After that, path modeling was carried out to identify correlations between the obtained data. The study results confirmed that both direct and indirect experiences of COVID-19 lead to an increased incidence of cyberbullying, in large part based on increased stress. This paper is valuable in that it considers cyberbullying in the light of relevant issues, using general strain theory and considering the psychological impact of social events on the increase in crimes. These data allow studying further the mechanisms of manifestation of cyberbullying, especially in the presence of large-scale international problems.
Gaffney, H., Farrington, D. P., Espelage, D. L., & Ttofi, M. M. (2019). Are cyberbullying intervention and prevention programs effective? A systematic and meta-analytical review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 45, 134-153.
This article focuses on the study of existing cyberbullying prevention programs. The central research question is the question of the effectiveness of these methods in the context of reducing the number of victims of cyberbullying and criminals. To accomplish this, the authors used the format of a systematic and meta-analytic review of the available literature. Based on the results of this search, 24 publications were selected, 15 of which used randomized controlled trials, and another 9 had quasi-experimental designs. After reviewing these sources, Gaffney et al. concluded that the current programs are quite effective as they can reduce the perpetration by 10-15 percent and the victimization by 14 percent. However, at the same time, a significant gap in the literature was found since the study was the first evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive programs. Therefore, this paper is of value in demonstrating the possible usefulness of such measures but highlighting the need for significant additional research.
Zhu, C., Huang, S., Evans, R., & Zhang, W. (2021). Cyberbullying among adolescents and children: a comprehensive review of the global situation, risk factors, and preventive measures. Frontiers in Public Health, 167.
A study by Zhu et al. focuses on studying the phenomenon of cyberbullying among adolescents and children in general, covering the situation as a whole, risk factors, and possible countermeasures. The main emphasis is placed on the global perspective, and the central research question is based on the study of cyberbullying features as a mass global phenomenon. The authors conducted a systematic review of the available literature written from 2015 to 2019. Eight academic databases and research centers were used for data search, making it possible to identify 63 relevant articles. The results of the study of this literature showed that the frequency of cyberbullying has increased significantly around the world over this period. In addition, risk factors and research gaps have been identified, especially in the case of low- and middle-income countries. The value of this study lies in its international perspective, demonstrating that cyberbullying is a widespread problem. At the same time, it is emphasized that despite the existence of promising strategies, further cooperative research is required for their successful implementation.