Cyberbullying Coping Strategies Questionnaire: Primary psychometric characteristics

Abstract

Objective: the objective of this study is to develop and validate a questionnaire to diagnose cybervictimization in both language groups. This objective is achieved through a study using the CWCBQ questionnaire adapted to Russian, which has already revealed the influence of cultural differences on adolescents’ reactions to cyberbullying. Relevance: this study is relevant due to the critical need for diagnostic tools to identify effective strategies for overcoming cyber-victimization. Research in the field of coping strategies continues to expand and explore new categories of coping mechanisms. The methodology was adapted between 2022 and 2023 using a sample of 1,450 adolescents aged 12–17. The mean age was 14.3, with 41.3% boys and 58.6% girls (600 and 850 individuals respectively). Materials and methods: the Kendall rank correlation coefficient was employed to evaluate the relationship between the variables. Data on respondents’ agreement with each statement was presented as a mean, a standard deviation and a percentage. Student’s t-test was used to assess the statistical significance of differences between respondent groups. Before that, the normality of data distribution was verified via the Shapiro–Wilk test. Results: the results demonstrate that the choice of certain answer options correlates with different aspects of interpersonal boundaries and cyberbullying coping strategies. Kendall’s correlations of all 19 questionnaire items were positive, statistically significant and ranged from r = 0.206, p = 0.000 to r = 0.411, p ≤ 0.001. These findings indicate a strong correlation between revenge strategies and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. The results support the hypothesis that adolescents seeking revenge often have underdeveloped interpersonal skills.