What is it about?
The paper examines the association between cyberbullying victimization and strain among expatriate students in Qatar. Using General Strain Theory (GST) as a framework, the researchers proposed that the negative experiences of being cyberbullied lead to negative emotions and potentially to delinquent behaviors as coping mechanisms. They conducted logistic regression analysis on a sample of 2428 expatriate students from seven public schools in Qatar, finding significant gender differences in cyberbullying victimization and notable differences in strain variables among the victims. The study found that these strain variables explained about 24% of the variance in victimization rates and highlighted the need for policies promoting social cohesion and addressing the challenges faced by expatriates in high-income countries like Qatar.
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Why is it important?
The study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of cyberbullying among expatriate students, particularly in high-income countries like Qatar. By applying General Strain Theory, the research highlights how cyberbullying can lead to strain and delinquent behaviors as coping mechanisms, enriching our understanding of the emotional and behavioral impacts of cyberbullying. It reveals significant gender differences in victimization, suggesting that males and females may experience and respond to cyberbullying in different ways. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for policies that foster social cohesion and address the unique challenges faced by expatriates, based on findings that strain variables significantly explain variations in cyberbullying victimization. This research not only supports the validity of General Strain Theory in a new context but also underscores the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of cyberbullying among vulnerable populations.
Perspectives
Personally, I find the application of General Strain Theory (GST) to cyberbullying among expatriates particularly compelling. It offers a nuanced view that cyberbullying is not just a disruptive behavior but also a response to underlying strains experienced by these students. The significant gender differences in victimization also underscore the complexity of cyberbullying, highlighting that interventions need to be tailored to address these differences effectively. Moreover, the fact that the study calls for specific policies to enhance social cohesion and well-being for expatriate students is crucial. These students often face unique challenges due to their expatriate status, and addressing these can significantly improve their educational experience and emotional health. The research methodically ties the emotional impacts of cyberbullying to tangible behavioral outcomes, which can be a powerful tool for policymakers and educators aiming to create more inclusive and supportive environments for all students, especially those far from their home countries.
Dr. Anis Ben Brik
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A partial empirical test of the general strain theory on cyberbullying victimization among expatriate students, Journal of Criminological Research Policy and Practice, November 2023, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/jcrpp-03-2023-0013.
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