Cyberbullying has become a serious problem in modern society.
With the spread of smartphones and social media, cases of bullying being conducted online are increasing.
Cyberbullying can potentially occur 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of time or place.
Additionally, due to its high anonymity, perpetrators are difficult to identify.
Victims are greatly affected both physically and mentally, and can sometimes fall into serious situations.
In this context, a Spanish research team conducted a large-scale study on the relationship between cyberbullying and personality traits.
The research results are published in “Aggressors and Victims in Bullying and Cyberbullying: A Study of Personality Profiles using the Five-Factor Model“.
In this article, we would like to explain the content of that research in detail and deepen our understanding of the cyberbullying problem.
Once again, personality researcher and author of Villain Encyclopedia, Tokiwa (@etokiwa999), will provide the explanation.
※We have developed the HEXACO-JP Personality Assessment! It has more scientific basis than MBTI. Tap below for details.
目次
- 1 Large-scale Survey Exploring the Relationship Between Cyberbullying and Personality Traits
- 2 Personality Traits Observed in Cyberbullying Victims
- 3 Personality characteristics of cyberbullying perpetrators
- 4 Personality patterns of those who are both perpetrators and victims
- 5 Personality strengths of people not involved in bullying
- 6 Applying understanding of personality traits to cyberbullying prevention and countermeasures
- 7 Toward a Society Without Bullying
- 8 Cyberbullying Summary
Large-scale Survey Exploring the Relationship Between Cyberbullying and Personality Traits
Common Points Between Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying
Traditional bullying and cyberbullying share many common points.
Both have clear roles of perpetrators and victims, and show power imbalances.
Moreover, bullying behaviors are repeatedly performed and have long-term effects on victims.
On the other hand, cyberbullying has the following characteristics.
- High anonymity, making perpetrators difficult to identify
- Conducted regardless of time and place
- Can potentially spread to many people instantly
Thus, cyberbullying shares common points with traditional bullying while having its own unique characteristics.
Understanding these characteristics is important for the prevention and countermeasures of cyberbullying.
What is the Five-Factor Model for Analyzing Personality Traits
The Five-Factor Model (FFM) is a framework for comprehensively analyzing personality traits.
This model proposes the following five major personality traits.
- Openness: intellectual curiosity, creativity, flexibility, etc.
- Conscientiousness: discipline, reliability, diligence, etc.
- Extraversion: sociability, liveliness, proactivity, etc.
- Agreeableness: compassion, cooperativeness, modesty, etc.
- Neuroticism: anxiety, stress tolerance, emotional instability, etc.
The FFM is a theory widely used to understand the basic structure of personality traits.
In this study, the FFM was used to analyze the personality traits of cyberbullying perpetrators and victims.
This aimed to clarify the personality characteristics of people involved in cyberbullying.
About the Survey Subjects and Methods
This research was conducted on 910 adolescents aged 12-19 living in Galicia, Spain.
The survey was conducted through school questionnaires from October 2015 to February 2016.
Participants were given questions about the following content.
- Perpetration and victimization experiences of bullying and cyberbullying
- Personality traits based on the FFM
Responses were anonymous, and participants’ privacy was strictly protected.
The collected data was statistically analyzed, revealing the personality traits of perpetrators and victims in bullying and cyberbullying.
Through this large-scale survey, reliable findings about the relationship between cyberbullying and personality traits were obtained.
Personality Traits Observed in Cyberbullying Victims
Victims Have High Neuroticism
It was revealed that cyberbullying victims have high neuroticism.
Neuroticism is a personality trait that indicates vulnerability to anxiety and stress.
In this study, victims showed high neuroticism particularly in the following aspects.
- Strong general anxiety
- High depressive tendencies
- High vulnerability to stress
These results are consistent with past research.
High neuroticism is considered one of the factors that makes people more susceptible to cyberbullying victimization.
Additionally, the victimization experience itself may strengthen neurotic tendencies.
Understanding and consideration of neuroticism is essential to protect victims’ mental health.
Victims Have Rich Imagination and Feel Emotions Deeply
Cyberbullying victims tend to have rich imagination and feel emotions deeply.
This is related to the “Openness” aspect of the FFM.
Victims often have the following characteristics:
- High sensitivity to art
- Value their own emotions
- Possess rich imagination
These characteristics may be related to victims’ tendency to become isolated.
By distancing themselves from real-world human relationships and immersing themselves in their inner world, they may feel emotions more deeply.
On the other hand, such tendencies may also amplify negative emotional experiences.
It is important to understand victims’ high sensitivity and provide appropriate support.
※Those with high neuroticism and high openness may be HSP.
Victims possess compassion and humility toward others
It was found that cyberbullying victims possess compassion and humility toward others.
This is related to the “Agreeableness” aspect of the FFM.
Victims showed the following characteristics:
- Strong ability to perceive others’ emotions
- Take humble and modest attitudes
- Possess compassion and kindness
These characteristics can be said to characterize “pure victims.”
On the other hand, people who are both perpetrators and victims did not show such high agreeableness.
The compassionate heart that victims possess may play an important role in preventing cyberbullying.
It is important to respect their high agreeableness and leverage that strength.
Victims are conscientious and have high motivation for goal achievement
It became clear that cyberbullying victims are conscientious and have high motivation for goal achievement.
This is related to the “Conscientiousness” aspect of the FFM.
Victims have the following characteristics:
- Are faithful to their own beliefs
- Engage in self-discipline toward goal achievement
- Have a strong sense of responsibility and keep promises
These characteristics suggest that victims have a serious and diligent personality.
On the other hand, excessive perfectionism may also increase stress.
It is important to recognize victims’ high motivation and teach appropriate goal-setting and stress management methods.
Support that respects victims’ sincerity and leverages it as a strength is needed.
Personality characteristics of cyberbullying perpetrators
Perpetrators lack interest in and compassion for others
Cyberbullying perpetrators tend to lack interest in and compassion for others.
This is related to low “Agreeableness” in the FFM.
Perpetrators showed the following characteristics:
- Do not consider others’ feelings
- Do not honestly express their own emotions
- Are indifferent to others’ problems
These characteristics suggest that perpetrators are insensitive to others’ pain.
Lack of empathy is considered one of the major factors causing cyberbullying.
Understanding perpetrators’ low agreeableness and education to foster empathy are required.
Perpetrators have low regularity and diligence
It was found that cyberbullying perpetrators have low regularity and diligence.
This is related to low “Conscientiousness” in the FFM.
Perpetrators have the following characteristics:
- Have weak self-control and are impulsive
- Have low motivation for goal achievement
- Tend to disregard rules
These characteristics suggest that perpetrators tend to disregard social norms.
Low levels of orderliness and diligence can be said to be important factors in predicting antisocial behavior.
It is necessary to understand the low integrity of perpetrators and provide education to enhance their awareness of norms.
Perpetrators have strong hostility and impulsive tendencies
It has become clear that cyberbullying perpetrators have strong hostility and impulsive tendencies.
This is related to certain aspects of “neuroticism” in the FFM.
Perpetrators showed the following characteristics.
- Strong anger and hostility toward others
- Impulsive with weak self-control
- High emotionality in a form different from anxiety and depression
These characteristics reflect the high level of aggression in perpetrators.
Hostility and impulsivity are considered factors that directly trigger cyberbullying behavior.
It is important to understand the emotional characteristics of perpetrators and teach methods to control anger and impulsivity.
Helping perpetrators learn to manage their emotions effectively will be useful in preventing cyberbullying.
What are the differences from traditional bullying perpetrators?
Several differences were observed between cyberbullying perpetrators and traditional bullying perpetrators.
Traditional bullying perpetrators showed the following characteristics.
- Low openness to new ideas
- Low anxiety tendencies
- Emotional callousness observed
These characteristics suggest that traditional bullying perpetrators have “psychopathic” personality tendencies.
On the other hand, such emotional callousness was not observed in cyberbullying perpetrators.
Since cyberbullying has high anonymity, it is possible to engage in harmful behavior even without emotional callousness.
It is important to understand the differences in personality traits of perpetrators and consider appropriate intervention methods for each.
Personality patterns of those who are both perpetrators and victims
Characteristics of those who are both perpetrators and victims in traditional bullying
Those who are both perpetrators and victims in traditional bullying showed distinctive personality patterns.
They have the following characteristics.
- High neuroticism
- Low openness
- Low agreeableness
- Low conscientiousness
These characteristics suggest that those who are both perpetrators and victims represent the group showing the most sociopsychological maladjustment.
They simultaneously possess both the vulnerability of victims and the aggression of perpetrators.
It is important to understand such complex personality traits and provide appropriate support.
A multifaceted approach is required for those who are both perpetrators and victims.
Characteristics of those who are both perpetrators and victims in cyberbullying
Those who are both perpetrators and victims in cyberbullying showed unique personality traits.
They have the following characteristics.
- Low openness
- Low agreeableness
- Neuroticism is not as high as in traditional bullying perpetrator-victims
These characteristics suggest that cyberbullying perpetrator-victims have different personality patterns from traditional bullying perpetrator-victims.
In cyberbullying, due to high anonymity, it may be possible to be both perpetrator and victim even without having as serious psychological problems as in traditional bullying.
It is important to understand the personality traits of cyberbullying perpetrator-victims and consider appropriate intervention methods.
A different approach from that for traditional bullying perpetrator-victims may be necessary for them.
What can be seen from the differences between the two types
Important implications were obtained from the differences in personality traits between traditional bullying and cyberbullying perpetrator-victims.
Traditional bullying perpetrator-victims are more likely to have serious psychological problems.
On the other hand, cyberbullying perpetrator-victims may not have problems as serious as traditional bullying.
Understanding these differences is important for considering effective intervention methods.
More intensive and multifaceted support may be necessary for traditional bullying perpetrator-victims.
On the other hand, early educational intervention may be effective for cyberbullying perpetrator-victims.
In any case, it is required to deeply understand the personality traits of those who are both perpetrators and victims and provide individualized support for each person. To meet the complex psychological needs of perpetrator-victims, it is essential for schools, families, and professionals to collaborate and build a comprehensive support system.
Personality strengths of people not involved in bullying
Low neuroticism stands out
People not involved in bullying or cyberbullying were characterized by low neuroticism. Low neuroticism leads to the following characteristics.
- Emotionally stable
- High stress tolerance
- Less likely to experience anxiety or depression
These characteristics can be considered personality strengths that make one less likely to be involved in bullying. People with low neuroticism may find it easier to maintain composure in stressful situations and may be less affected by bullying.
In bullying prevention education, fostering low neuroticism will be one of the important goals. Appropriate psychological education is needed so that children can develop emotional stability.
High agreeableness is characteristic
People who are not involved in bullying or cyberbullying have been found to have high agreeableness. High agreeableness leads to the following characteristics.
- Shows consideration for others
- Cooperative and values harmony
- Takes a humble and modest attitude
These characteristics play an important role in building relationships that do not create bullying. People with high agreeableness are thought to respect the feelings of others and build friendly relationships easily.
In bullying prevention education, fostering agreeableness will be one of the important goals. Education at school and home is needed so that children can develop compassion and cooperativeness.
Strong honest and conscientious aspects
People who are not involved in bullying or cyberbullying have been found to have strong honest and conscientious aspects. An honest and conscientious personality leads to the following characteristics.
- Follows rules and values promises
- Has strong self-control and acts in a planned manner
- Diligent and makes efforts toward achieving goals
These characteristics play an important role in preventing bullying. Honest and conscientious people are thought to respect social norms and are more likely to take appropriate actions.
In bullying prevention education, fostering honesty and self-control will be one of the important goals. Guidance at school and home is needed so that children can develop regularity and diligence.
Applying understanding of personality traits to cyberbullying prevention and countermeasures
Knowing personality traits leads to appropriate support
Understanding the personality traits of cyberbullying perpetrators and victims is important for providing appropriate support. The following support methods can be considered according to personality traits.
- Psychological support that takes into account victims’ high neuroticism
- Social skills training to compensate for perpetrators’ low agreeableness
- Multi-faceted support responding to the complex psychological needs of bully-victims
Support based on personality traits is expected to be useful for cyberbullying prevention and countermeasures. Schools, families, and specialists need to collaborate and develop support programs based on personality traits.
By incorporating the perspective of personality traits, we will be able to address cyberbullying issues more effectively.
Points for detecting bullying in school settings
In school settings, it may be possible to detect bullying early by paying attention to students’ personality traits. It is important to be mindful of the following signs.
- Sudden personality changes (emotional instability, apathy, etc.)
- Changes in friendships (isolation, sudden intimacy with specific students, etc.)
- Changes in learning attitude (declining grades, changes in classroom behavior, etc.)
These signs overlap with characteristics of students who are victims of bullying. Teachers need to understand students’ personality traits on a daily basis and be sensitive to changes.
To detect bullying, observation that incorporates the perspective of personality traits may be effective. It is important to understand each student’s personality strengths and weaknesses and connect them to appropriate support.
Prevention and early detection efforts parents can take
Parents can help prevent and early detect cyberbullying by understanding their children’s personality traits. The following efforts can be considered.
- Accept children’s personality traits and raise them in a way that develops their strengths
- Set appropriate internet usage rules according to personality traits
- Pay attention to changes in children’s personalities and respond quickly if there are any abnormalities
Parents’ deep understanding of their children’s personality traits can be said to be the first step in cyberbullying prevention. Parenting and rule-making that match personality traits are important for protecting children’s safety online.
Also, paying attention to changes in children’s personalities on a daily basis leads to early detection of bullying. It is important for parents and children to discuss personality traits and understand each other.
How to respond when cyberbullying victimization occurs
When cyberbullying victimization occurs, understanding one’s personality traits leads to appropriate responses. It is important for victims to keep the following response methods in mind.
- Accept your emotions and don’t bear it alone
- Consult with trusted adults
- Preserve evidence and submit it when necessary
It is important for victims to understand their high levels of neuroticism and seek emotional support. Additionally, not keeping problems to themselves and consulting with surrounding adults is the first step toward problem resolution.
Furthermore, by preserving evidence of bullying, appropriate measures can be taken. Support is needed to help victims accept their personality traits and choose appropriate coping methods.
Toward a Society Without Bullying
Insights from This Study and Challenges of Cyberbullying
The results of this research provided important insights into the relationship between cyberbullying and personality traits. At the same time, the following challenges were also highlighted.
- There is a need to examine factors of bullying other than personality traits
- Development of effective intervention methods based on personality traits is required
- Society-wide awareness reform regarding bullying issues is essential
While personality traits are an important perspective for understanding cyberbullying, they alone cannot explain everything. It is important to consider other factors and comprehensively address bullying issues.
Additionally, developing intervention methods based on personality traits and verifying their effectiveness is a future challenge. To fundamentally solve bullying issues, society-wide awareness reform is essential.
What We Can Do to Eliminate Cyberbullying
To eliminate cyberbullying, each individual is required to take proactive action. The following initiatives can be considered as things we can do.
- Deepen understanding of cyberbullying issues and raise awareness
- When witnessing cyberbullying, promptly take appropriate action
- Spread internet rules that value compassion and cooperation
The first step is to take interest in cyberbullying issues and acquire correct knowledge. Also, when witnessing cyberbullying, it is important not to be a bystander but to act with courage.
Furthermore, fostering a culture that values compassion and cooperation online is required.
By each person thinking about what they can do and taking action, we can move closer to a society without bullying.
Each of us has a role to play in eliminating cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying Summary
Cyberbullying is not someone else’s problem for any of us.
We all have the potential to be in any position: perpetrator, victim, or bystander.
The research introduced today provided important insights into the relationship between cyberbullying and personality traits.
It became clear that personality traits are deeply involved in bullying issues, such as victims’ psychological vulnerability and perpetrators’ lack of empathy.
Each individual should take interest in cyberbullying issues and acquire correct knowledge.
And in daily life, practice behaviors that value compassion and cooperation.
This will be the first step toward creating a society without bullying.
※This article is written with reference to papers published in the following book.
Writer & Supervisor: Eisuke Tokiwa
Personality Psychology Researcher / CEO, SUNBLAZE Inc.
As a child he experienced poverty, domestic abuse, bullying, truancy and dropping out of school — first-hand exposure to a range of social problems. He spent 10 years researching these issues and published Encyclopedia of Villains through Jiyukokuminsha. Since then he has independently researched the determinants of social problems and antisocial behavior (work, education, health, personality, genetics, region, etc.) and has published 2 peer-reviewed journal articles (Frontiers in Psychology, IEEE Access). His goal is to predict the occurrence of social problems. Spiky profile (WAIS-IV).
Expertise: Personality Psychology / Big Five / HEXACO / MBTI / Prediction of Social Problems
Researcher profiles: ORCID / Google Scholar / ResearchGate
Social & Books: X (@etokiwa999) / note / Amazon Author Page