The Relationship of Cyberbullying on Adolescents’ Self-esteem Level and Anxiety
Abstract
Cyberbullying has a persistent impact on the mental health of adolescents, such as short-term emotional distress, and can lead to long-term psychological consequences. This study reviewed four core literature sources published over the past nine years, including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and cross-cultural empirical studies, focusing on the two key psychological variables of self-esteem and anxiety, while also considering gender differences and cultural contexts. The literature findings consistently indicate that low self-esteem significantly increases the risk of adolescents suffering from cyberbullying, while high anxiety may either be a result of victimisation or already exist before the incident, thus increasing the risk of involvement. Methodological comparisons revealed differences between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, as well as the impact of measurement tools and sample diversity on results. The findings emphasise the necessity of early psychological screening, targeted emotional regulation training, and culturally sensitive prevention strategies, providing evidence-based guidance for cyberbullying control at the school and communities.
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