Self-Esteem as a Moderator Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Depression in a Sample of Nigerian Youths

Victor Chidi  Onyencho; Anthony G. Balogun; Choja Akpovire  Oduaran

doi:10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.352

Authors

Victor Chidi Onyencho North-West University, Potchefstroom City, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7738-4020
Anthony G. Balogun Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8634-444X
Choja Akpovire Oduaran North-West University, Potchefstroom City, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8815-3930

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.352

Keywords:

self-esteem, depression, sociometer theory, Nigeria, youth, mental health, Cyberbullying victimization

Abstract

To read the full-text Open Access article and download the PDFs, please visit our Issue portal at Paradigm (Walter de Gruyter): https://reference-global.com/article/10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.352

Introduction: Cyberbullying victimization is a pervasive global problem among youths, with those in developing countries, particularly Nigeria, experiencing disproportionate exposure and vulnerability. Research has consistently demonstrated that cyberbullying victimization is associated with adverse mental health outcomes, especially depression. However, although the detrimental effects of cyberbullying victimization on youth depression have been well documented, there is limited understanding of the psychological factors that may moderate this relationship.

Purpose: Guided by sociometer theory, the present study examined self-esteem as a potential moderator of the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression among Nigerian youths.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 500 participants (220 males and 280 females) drawn from churches, secondary schools, and higher education institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria. Participants completed validated self-report measures. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the study hypotheses.

Results: The results revealed a significant positive association between cyberbullying victimization and depression. Self-esteem was negatively associated with depression and significantly moderated the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that self-esteem functions as a protective factor, buffering the adverse effects of cyberbullying victimization on depression. The results highlight the importance of developing and enforcing anti-cyberbullying policies, as well as integrating self-esteem enhancement interventions into mental health programmes aimed at mitigating the psychosocial consequences of cyberbullying victimization in Nigeria.

Author Biographies

Victor Chidi Onyencho, North-West University, Potchefstroom City, South Africa

Community Psychosocial Research Entity, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa

Anthony G. Balogun, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Department of Pure and Applied Psychology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

Choja Akpovire Oduaran, North-West University, Potchefstroom City, South Africa

Community Psychosocial Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom City, South Africa

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