The prevalence of cyberbullying and related mental health among academic employees in a university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Rationale: The increased usage of technology and online social media has broughtabout a rise in harmful cyberbullying behaviours. Most of the research into cyberbullying hasfocused on child and adolescent populations, and less is known about the phenomenon inworking adults, particularly university academic staff. As such, the aim of the primaryresearch study was to assess the prevalence of cyberbullying amongst academic staff at auniversity within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to explore the associations betweencyberbullying and mental health. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was undertaken into the prevalence andconsequences of cyberbullying in university faculty. Subsequently, a questionnaire study wasconducted within a Saudi university, and completed by 389 academic staff members in total. Findings: The literature review highlighted the fact that there have been very fewstudies exploring cyberbullying in the Middle East. The subsequent questionnaire studyrevealed that more than half of Saudi academic staff members were exposed to at least onecyberbullying act at some point in the last six months, approximately (5%) could be classifiedas target of cyberbullying, due to having experienced cyberbullying on at least a weekly basisfor the previous six months and (17.7%) reported themselves as victims on at least weeklybasis. Cyberbullying exposure was statistically associated with mental health levels, evenafter controlling for demographic characteristics and potential sources of work and lifestressors. Conclusion: The study highlighted that cyberbullying is a serious concern withinSaudi universities. Therefore, institutional and national bodies should consider which policiescan effectively reduce the likelihood of cyberbullying, and which support mechanisms shouldbe in place for the victims of cyberbullying. Contribution: The study adds to the general lack of research exploring cyberbullyingin the Middle East. Additionally, the study is the first to explore the relationship betweencyberbullying and mental health in a sample consisting solely of academic faculty.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral (Level 8)

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Ateyah, M

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1333426

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1333426