Work

Online verbal aggression on interpersonal trust among college students: the chain-mediating effect of core self-evaluation and emotional intelligence

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of online verbal aggression on interpersonal trust and the chain-mediating role of core self-evaluation and emotional intelligence among college students. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 869 college students with experiences of online verbal aggression using the Cyber Verbal Bullying Scale, Interpersonal Trust Scale, Core Self-Evaluation Scale, and Emotional Intelligence Scale. Results: (1) After controlling other latent variables, it was found that online verbal aggression had a significant direct negative effect on college students' interpersonal trust. (2) Core self-evaluation and emotional intelligence played significant mediating roles in the relationship between online verbal aggression and interpersonal trust, and their combined chain mediation effect was also statistically significant. Conclusion: Victimization by online verbal aggression may lower core self-evaluation in college students, thereby impairing their emotional perception and regulation and ultimately reducing their interpersonal trust. Effective interventions should address self-evaluation, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal trust to mitigate the adverse effects of online verbal aggression on college students.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1556046

Authors: Yao Yao, Xuejun Fan, Gang Chen, Ping Li, Song Liu

Institutions: Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Zhejiang University, Ningxia University

Language: English

Topic: Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801