CYBERBULLYING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA

Description

Cyberbullying has emerged as one of the most pervasive forms of peer victimization in the digital age and is increasingly recognized as a significant public health concern. While traditionally examined as a behavioral or educational issue, growing evidence suggests that cyberbullying should also be understood through a trauma informed perspective because of its potential to produce enduring psychological consequences. This chapter synthesizes current theoretical and empirical evidence on the relationship between cyberbullying and psychological trauma. It first examines the conceptual foundations linking cyberbullying to trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), emphasizing the developmental vulnerability of children and adolescents. The chapter then reviews the broad spectrum of psychological outcomes associated with cybervictimization, including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, impaired academic functioning, self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Attention is given to the mechanisms underlying trauma responses, highlighting the roles of maladaptive coping, perceived control, childhood adversity, attachment insecurity, and cumulative trauma. The emerging concept of digital trauma is also discussed to illustrate how the unique characteristics of online environments, including anonymity, permanence of harmful content, unrestricted audience reach, and continuous accessibility, may intensify traumatic experiences. Finally, the chapter explores the implications of adopting a trauma informed framework for prevention, early identification, psychological assessment, and intervention. Overall, the evidence supports a paradigm shift in the understanding of cyberbullying, recognizing it as a potentially traumatic interpersonal experience whose psychological impact extends far beyond immediate emotional distress and has important implications for adolescent mental health and well-being.