The Relationships Between Parental Psychological Control, Dark Triad Traits, Cyberbullying and Cybervictimization
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The increasing prevalence of cyberbullying among young adults is a pressing issue that has drawn significant attention in academic literature.Studies have indicated that individuals who experience high levels of parental psychological control, characterized by manipulative behaviors that undermine a child's emotional autonomy, are more likely to develop maladaptive personality traits.The Dark Triad, which encompasses Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism, has been shown to correlate with antisocial behaviors, including bullying.The current study thus seeks to explore the role of Dark Triad traits as mediators between parental psychological control (from both mothers and fathers) and the likelihood of cyberbullying and cybervictimization.In this study, 1016 young adults (50% women) aged 18 to 25 years (M=21.64,SD=2.22) participated in an online survey, providing self-reported information on their experiences with parental psychological control, their Dark Triad trait levels, and their involvement in cyberbullying and cybervictimization.The analysis utilized latent variable structural equation modeling (SEM) to test for mediation effects.The model showed a good fit: χ2(182)=561.69,p<.001, CFI=.97,RMSEA=.05(90% CI=.04-.05),SRMR=.04.Maternal psychological control (MPC) is linked to an increase in Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism and cybervictimization, but it does not directly contribute to cyberbullying.Paternal psychological control (PPC) similarly influences Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism and is associated with both cyberbullying and cybervictimization.Among the Dark Triad traits, Machiavellianism and psychopathy are significant predictors of both cyberbullying and cybervictimization, while narcissism has a negative impact on both behaviors.Indirectly, MPC contributes to cyberbullying and cybervictimization through Machiavellianism and psychopathy.PPC also has indirect positive effects on cyberbullying and cybervictimization via these traits.Conversely, narcissism serves as a negative mediator, suggesting that higher levels of MPC and PPC may decrease the likelihood of engaging in cyberbullying and experiencing cybervictimization when mediated by narcissism.Overall, the study suggests that young adults who experience greater parental psychological control are more likely to develop manipulative and unemphatic traits, increasing their risk for both perpetrating and experiencing cyberbullying.Specifically, the results highlight the importance of considering both the direct and indirect pathways through which parental influence affects young adults' online behaviors.Consequently, effective measures should address not only the individual but also family dynamics, peer relationships, and the specific challenges of online environments to reduce the risks linked to these detrimental behaviors.
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4410355212