Irrational beliefs, psychological resilience and psychological needs as predictions of cyber bullying and victimization in adolescents

In this study, it is investigated whether Psychological Resilience, Irrational Beliefs and Psychological Needs are significant predictors of cyber bullying and victimization in adolescents, as well as some demographic variables (gender, class level, parental education level, parent attitudes, place of internet binding, frequency of internet usage) are related to bullying and victimization. In this study, relational research model was used. The study's universe constitutes a total of 67180 high school students studying in the province of Malatya during the 2015-2016 academic year; The sample consisted of 849 students including 430 girls and 419 males who attended 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades in four state schools in Malatya during 2015-2016 Education – Academic Year. While collecting data Personal Information Form, Renewed Cyber Bullying Inventory, Irrational Beliefs Adolescent Form, Short Form of Child and Young Psychological Resilience Scale, New Psychological Needs Assessment Scale were used. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21 packet program and the analysis was based on. 05 confidence level. Statistical methods such as t test, ANOVA, Tukey HSD, Pearson Moments correlation and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. As a result of the research; 14.9% of the students were found to be cyber bullied, 18.6% were cyber victims and 8.9% were bullied / victimized. In addition, there was a significant relationship between gender, parental education level, parental attitudes and internet usage frequency and cyber bullying and victimization. Furthermore, irrational beliefs, psychological resilience and psychological needs (success, dominance, autonomy and relationship need) have been found to predict cyber bullying and victimization significantly. The results of the findings from the research were discussed and suggestions for future research were made.