| Bullying is a phenomenon that has been observed in children as young as kindergarten and through adulthood. Most studies on this topic have focused primarily on the prevalence rates and adjustment difficulties (e.g., depression, low self-esteem, and social anxiety) associated with those who are engaged in traditional types of bullying (i.e., physical, verbal, and relational) with many studies indicating considerable concerns for those engaged in bullying. Recent advances in cellular technology and web-based communication have created new forums for social connectivity and, as a result, new avenues for individuals to be victimized or bully others. To date, few assessment tools measure the prevalence and incidence of cyber bullying, with most lacking scale validation and evidence for their reliability and validity. Additionally, little is known about the correlates of individuals involved in bullying and their adjustment. The Cyber Victimization and Bullying Assessment (CVBA) was developed as part of a larger survey to assess the incidence of cyber bullying and associations of adjustment (i.e., depression, self-esteem, and social anxiety) for those engaged in cyber bullying. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on a college sample of 222 students at two universities to investigate the underlying factor structure of the two scales of the CVBA. The Cyber Victim and Cyber Bully scales were analyzed separately using a Principal Component extraction method followed by a Promax rotation. The results of the EFA on the Cyber Victim Scale yielded two factors: Social Cyber Victimization (α = .70) and Personal Harassment (α = .68). The Cyber Bully Scale yielded three factors: Relational Harm (α = .68), Direct Cyber Bullying (α = .73), and Indirect Cyber Bullying (α = .47). Findings are discussed in light of traditional bullying research. Additionally, significant correlations were found between depression and Social Cyber Victimization, Personal Harassment, and the Direct Cyber Bullying factors. Self-esteem was inversely correlated with Personal Harassment. Adjustment outcomes are also discussed in light of adjustment correlates noted within traditional bullying research. Limitations and areas of future research are also addressed. |
