The prevalence of cyberbullying and related mental health among academic employees in a university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ateyah, M

Abstract

Rationale: The increased usage of technology and online social media has brought
about a rise in harmful cyberbullying behaviours. Most of the research into cyberbullying has
focused on child and adolescent populations, and less is known about the phenomenon in
working adults, particularly university academic staff. As such, the aim of the primary
research study was to assess the prevalence of cyberbullying amongst academic staff at a
university within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to explore the associations between
cyberbullying and mental health.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was undertaken into the prevalence and
consequences of cyberbullying in university faculty. Subsequently, a questionnaire study was
conducted within a Saudi university, and completed by 389 academic staff members in total.
Findings: The literature review highlighted the fact that there have been very few
studies exploring cyberbullying in the Middle East. The subsequent questionnaire study
revealed that more than half of Saudi academic staff members were exposed to at least one
cyberbullying act at some point in the last six months, approximately (5%) could be classified
as target of cyberbullying, due to having experienced cyberbullying on at least a weekly basis
for the previous six months and (17.7%) reported themselves as victims on at least weekly
basis. Cyberbullying exposure was statistically associated with mental health levels, even
after controlling for demographic characteristics and potential sources of work and life
stressors.
Conclusion: The study highlighted that cyberbullying is a serious concern within
Saudi universities. Therefore, institutional and national bodies should consider which policies
can effectively reduce the likelihood of cyberbullying, and which support mechanisms should
be in place for the victims of cyberbullying.
Contribution: The study adds to the general lack of research exploring cyberbullying
in the Middle East. Additionally, the study is the first to explore the relationship between
cyberbullying and mental health in a sample consisting solely of academic faculty.

Citation

Ateyah, M. The prevalence of cyberbullying and related mental health among academic employees in a university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Dec 14, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 14, 2021
• Award Date: Feb 22, 2021