Self-Esteem, Lover-Centeredness, and Social Networking Site Use as Mediators Between Resilience and Cyberbullying Victimization

Individual factors play a crucial role in shaping the strength of the relationship between resilience and cyberbullying victimization. This study examines the mediating roles of self-esteem, lover-centeredness, and social networking site use in this relationship through a serial mediation model. A total of 597 adults (460 females, mean age: 22.25) participated in the study, meeting G*Power's sample size recommendations. Preliminary analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0 and JASP, while the serial mediation model was tested using the SPSS PROCESS Macro. Additionally, a multi-group analysis was performed using SmartPLS 3 to explore differences in the serial mediation model based on participants' relationship status. The findings indicated that resilience does not significantly predict cyberbullying victimization. However, self-esteem and social networking site use were found to mediate this relationship both individually and jointly, whereas lover-centeredness did not emerge as a significant mediator. Moreover, self-esteem, lover-centeredness, and social networking site use demonstrated a significant combined mediating effect on the relationship between resilience and cyberbullying victimization. The multi-group analysis revealed that resilience significantly predicts lover-centeredness among individuals in a romantic relationship, but this prediction was not significant for those without a lover. These results offer valuable insights into the interplay between resilience, intimate relationships, and cyberbullying victimization.