The relationship of childhood trauma with cyberbullying and cyber victimization among university students

• Published in: Archives of psychiatric nursing 2022-12, Vol.41, p.181-187
• Main Authors: Akarsu, Özlem, Budak, Merve İnan, Okanlı, Ayşe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adverse Childhood Experiences; Bullying; Childhood trauma; Crime Victims; Cyber bullying; Cyber victimization; Cyberbullying; Humans; Students; Universities; University student
• ISSN: 0883-9417; 1532-8228
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.06.004

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of childhood trauma with cyberbullying and cyber victimization levels among health sciences and medical faculty students. This study was conducted with 350 students studying at the health sciences and medical faculty of a university in Istanbul. The data were collected using an information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Cyber Bullying Scale, and the Cyber Victimization Scale. A significant positive correlation was found between the childhood trauma and cyberbullying and cyber victimization levels of the students. A significant positive correlation was also found between cyber victimization and cyberbullying levels. Students at risk of cyber bullying and cyber victimization should be identified, and awareness and coping programs should be planned. •Chronic childhood traumas experienced during childhood and the early teenage years are an important risk factor in the emergence of university cyberbullying and cyber victimisation behaviours among students.•Students at risk of cyberbullying and cyber victimization should be identified, and awareness and coping programs should be planned.•Health professionals should create preventive/protective programs that will enable the early evaluation of the parent-child relationship, the early detection of relationship problems, and the provision of counseling and support services.