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ERIC Number: ED577606
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 171
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-3551-0279-6
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
A Phenomenological Study of College Students Subjected to Cyberbullying
McKennie, Stephanie Williams
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Northcentral University
Currently cyberbullying is a behavior that is discussed worldwide. Within the discussion, there is a need to know about the lived experiences of college students subjected to cyberbullying. The purpose of this hermeneutic (interpretive) phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of ten college students subjected to bullying in cyberspace. The participants represented all degree levels from associate degree to doctoral degree. This study explored participants' perception of cyberbullying on their lives. Social Cognitive Theory, particularly self-efficacy and self-regulation, was used to guide the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide and probing questions. Participants (seven female and three male) were encouraged to delve beyond surface emotions and explore the true essence of their feelings regarding the cyberbullying experiences. Two research questions were addressed in the study--what are the lived experiences of cyberbullying for college students and how do students in college perceive their lived experiences of cyberbullying affecting their academic progress, were answered. This study identified areas where college students experienced cyberbullying in the course room, social media, email and text. The results from the study indicate that participants did not present as individuals with low self-esteem; conversely, participants had a strong sense of self-worth evident by their description of themselves. The results indicate that participants appeared to be resilient, even after experiencing cyberbullying. The resilience was evident by the participants' ability to resume their usual activities. Overall, the results supported existing literature that not all college students were adversely affected by cyberbullying, and that cyberbullying may not in all cases negatively impact academic progress. Since one of the results from this research suggest that even when experiencing cyberbullying some participants maintain resiliency, future research should explore the characteristics that help participants to cope with cyberbullying. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A