Exploring the Influence of Theoretical Factors on Students' Cyberbullying Behavior: A Bandura-Inspired Study

Abstract

Based on Bandura's behaviour theory, this study aims to find a model of theoretical factors influencing students' cyberbullying behaviour. It is essential to understand the factors that influence cyberbullying so that effective programs and interventions can be developed to prevent and overcome its effects. The researcher places Bandura's social cognitive theory model from three aspects of environmental interaction theory (peer influence), personal cognition (self-esteem and empathy) and behaviour (cyberbullying) to determine the factors of cyberbullying. This method uses a quantitative approach with cluster sampling techniques. First, determine the cluster based on the area of the SMA obtained; 2 schools in the East Surabaya area, 1 in the West Surabaya area, 1 in the South Surabaya area, 1 in the North Surabaya area, and 1 in the Central Surabaya area. The sample for this study was 971 students, 365 (37.8%) boys and 606 (62.2%) girls aged between 15 to 21 years in SMA in Surabaya, Indonesia. Data analysis uses a intructural transaction model (SEM). We found a strong relationship between peer influence and empathy in cyberbullying tendencies. Meanwhile, empathy is a mediating variable between self-esteem and cyberbullying, meaning that if students have positive self-esteem and positive empathy, they tend to reduce cyberbullying. However, we found no relationship between self-esteem and cyberbullying.