Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Psychology
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Alan M. Gross
Second Advisor
Carrie Dowling
Third Advisor
Elicia Lair
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
This study explored the potential role of sensation seeking, impulsivity, and empathy in cyberbullying behavior directed towards known and unknown persons. Sensation seeking is one’s propensity to desire novel situations and stimuli. Impulsivity is one’s tendency to engage in behavior without regard for potential consequences. Empathy is conceptualized as one’s ability to understand the experiences and emotions of others. Cyberbullying is the act of intentionally aggressing against another individual via some form of technology. University of Mississippi students (N=393) participated in an online survey and completed measures of the aforementioned variables. Cyberbullying behavior was measured in the context of aggressing towards both known and unknown persons. When sensation seeking was examined as a mediator between impulsivity and cyberbullying of known persons, a significant indirect path was found, indicating mediation. A similar trend relationship was observed for cyberbullying of unknown persons. Results and implications of findings are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Ehman, Anandi C., "Some Men Just Want To Watch The World Burn: The Role Of Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, And Empathy In Cyberbullying" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 807.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/807
Concentration/Emphasis
Emphasis: Clinical Psychology