Measuring Cyber Interpersonal Violence in Adolescents: Development and Validation of the CyIVIA Instrument

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cyber interpersonal violence (CIV) is a growing concern among adolescents.
• Existing tools may not adequately assess the multifaceted nature of CIV.
• This study addresses the need for a validated instrument to measure adolescent involvement in CIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Cyber Interpersonal Violence Instrument for Adolescents (CyIVIA).
• To assess victimization, perpetration, and bystander roles in CIV.
• To provide a reliable tool for researchers and clinicians.

Main Methods:

• The Cyber Interpersonal Violence Instrument for Adolescents (CyIVIA) was developed with 253 adolescents (ages 11-16) in northern Portugal.
• A 40-item Likert scale assessed direct (victimization, perpetration) and indirect (bystander) CIV.
• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to establish reliability and validity.

Main Results:

• The CyIVIA demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.743-0.851) and a robust multidimensional structure.
• Over half (56.5%) of participants reported involvement in CIV.
• Significant gender differences were observed: girls reported higher victimization, while boys reported higher perpetration.

Conclusions:

• The CyIVIA is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing cyber interpersonal violence among adolescents.
• Interventions should target prevention, encourage active bystander roles, and foster safer online environments.
• The 8th grade was identified as a crucial period for intervention efforts.