An Empirical Study on the Relationship between Cyber-bullying Perpetration, Aggression and Loneliness among College Students.

Abstract

Cyberbullying perpetration has emerged as a significant psychosocial concern in the digital age, particularly among college students who are developmentally vulnerable and highly engaged with online environments. The present study examined the relationships between cyberbullying perpetration, aggression, and loneliness among college students from various educational institutions of the Jammu region. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from a purposive sample of 151 college students (67% female, 33% male) aged 18–25 years using both online and offline modes. Three standardized instruments were administered: the Cyberbullying Perpetration Scale (Lee, Abell, & Holmes, 2017), the Aggression Questionnaire (Buss & Perry, 1992), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Version 3 (Russell, 1996). Statistical analyses including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent samples t-test were conducted using SPSS Version 26.0. Results indicated a significant positive relationship between cyberbullying perpetration and aggression (r = .223, p < .01), as well as between aggression and loneliness (r = .263, p < .01). Cyberbullying perpetration was significantly associated with physical aggression (r = .221, p < .01), verbal aggression (r = .179, p < .05), and anger (r = .225, p < .01). However, the relationship between cyberbullying perpetration and loneliness was not statistically significant (r = .061, p > .05). Hostility showed a significant positive relationship with loneliness (r = .397, p < .001). Independent samples t-tests revealed no significant gender differences in cyberbullying perpetration, aggression, or loneliness. The findings highlight the interconnected nature of cyberbullying perpetration and aggressive tendencies among college students and underscore the importance of targeted psychological interventions in higher education settings.