Exploring the experiences of cyberbullying victimization among youths in Malaysia

Wong, Woen Sheng (2025) Exploring the experiences of cyberbullying victimization among youths in Malaysia. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of cyberbullying victimization among Malaysian youths through a qualitative phenomenological approach, guided by General Strain Theory (GST). The objectives were to examine how victims perceive the strain induced by cyberbullying, to explore its emotional, cognitive, behavioural, relational, and physical impacts, and to investigate the coping strategies they employed. Six participants aged 15 to 30, who experienced cyberbullying, participated in semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used for data interpretation. The findings revealed that cyberbullying caused significant strain, originated from victims themselves (self-blame and guilt, unreciprocated emotional investment and helplessness), perpetrators (threats, coercion, and harassment, emotional manipulation, privacy violations, public shaming and mockery, group and repetitive aggression, and betrayal), significant others (lack of support and invalidating reactions and witnessing significant others in distress). These strain leading to intense emotional impacts such as fear and anxiety, numbness, depression and sadness, anger, guilt, helplessness, alongside cognitive impacts like hypervigilance, overthinking and negative self-appraisal, behavioural changes such as social withdrawal and isolation, online disengagement and avoidance, change in communication style and life choices, relational impacts including friendship breakdown, change in family dynamics, trust issues, and physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, appetite issues and stress-related physical symptoms. Participants utilized adaptive coping strategies, including emotional expression and release, problem-focusing coping, receiving social support and self-talk. However, maladaptive coping strategies were also observed, particularly emotional suppression, risky behaviours or attempts, self-blame and internalization, which often prolonged emotional suffering or led to physical health risks. Overall, the research reinforces the applicability of GST in understanding the complex emotional and behavioural responses to cyberbullying strain, while highlighting the urgent need for culturally sensitive counselling interventions, resilience-building programs, and the promotion of digital literacy among Malaysian youths.

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