Cybervictimization and suicidality among French undergraduate Students: A mediation model

Most of the scientific literature on cyberbullying and psychosocial consequences associated is based on samples of adolescents. Also, despite their contributions, the few studies with emerging adults were conducted with small or single-site samples. The present study aimed to document the prevalence of cyberbullying among college students in France and the association between cybervictimization, psychological distress and suicidality.

The sample included 4 626 French undergraduates. Participants answered to a cyberbullying scale that measured the frequency of victimization and distress associated. Suicidal ideations and attempts and emotional abuse from parents were also assessed.

The prevalence of cybervictimization was higher in male students than female students. Cybervictims of both genders reported more suicidal ideations and suicidal attempts than non-victims. Mediated model shows a complete mediation effect of psychological distress associated to cybervictimization on the relationship between cyberbullying and suicidality.

The study relied on a cross-sectional design, and as such it is impossible to observe neither developmental trajectories of cybervictimization, nor the causality between the variables. Also, a more comprehensive questionnaire assessing different forms of cybervictimization would have allowed to examine further forms of cybervictimization and their impacts.

This study with a large sample leads to important cues for prevention and intervention programs. It highlights that cyberbullying is not only an adolescence concern; but also a young adult issue associated with negative consequences.