Factors Associated with Negative Emotional Responses and Maladaptive Coping Strategies to Cyberbullying Among Young People in Southernmost Thailand

Abstract

Background: Cyberbullying generates unfavorable feelings and behaviors among young people. Factors associated with emotional responses and coping strategies for cyberbullying need to be assessed. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with negative emotional responses and maladaptive coping strategies in response to cyberbullying among young people aged 13 - 24. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection across eight secondary schools and two universities in Pattani province, Thailand. A total of 227 students who experienced cyberbullying were included in this study. Results: Students whose fathers had a bachelor's degree or higher, those whose fathers were farmers, merchants, or laborers, had a middle-class family income, and students experiencing high social stress had higher negative emotional responses to cyberbullying. Young people with fathers having bachelor's degrees or higher, having a low family income, and having low or moderate social support had more maladaptive coping strategies for cyberbullying. Conclusions: Attention should be paid to developing effective ways to reduce negative emotions and bad coping skills in these groups of students.