Cyberbullying victimization among Vietnamese college students: Social support, self-esteem, coping strategies and depression

Abstract

The prevalence of cyberbullying victimization among college students tends to increase. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of frequency of cyberbullying victimization, self-esteem, social support and coping strategies on depression symptoms among Vietnamese college students. 606 college students who were victims of cyberbullying completed a questionnaire to evaluate frequency of cyberbullying victimization, level of self-esteem, social support, and frequency of using coping strategies. Results indicated that frequency of cyberbullying victimization and avoidance coping strategies were associated with increase depressive symptoms; meanwhile, social support, self-esteem, and approach coping strategies were associated with decreased depressive symptoms. This research has important implications in developing depression prevention programs for cyberbullying victimization among Vietnamese college students.