An investigation of the factors associated with electronic aggression among college students

Although research on electronic aggression (EA) among adolescents is burgeoning, little is known about these behaviors among college students. The present study employed quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature and risk correlates of electronic victimization and perpetration in college peer and romantic relationships. We proposed an association between risky family environments and EA victimization and perpetration, but that peer support and emotion regulation would moderate these relations. We also qualitatively examined the immediate context of EA, namely motivations and substance use. Two hundred twenty six university students completed an on-line battery of questionnaires. There were no overall sex differences in EA rates, though different patterns of involvement emerged for males and females. Overall, peer support and emotion regulation attenuated the connection between family risk and EA involvement. Qualitative analyses indicated that although many electronically aggressive acts were driven by jealousy, insecurity, or negative motivations, others were done out of humor. Substance use may also play a role. Findings suggest the need to examine EA within the context of off-line relationships, as well as question assumptions that these behaviors are always thought to be malicious to those involved.