Clinical Report: Creation and assessment of a scale for measuring cyberbullying
Overview
This study developed and validated the Scale of Cyberbullying and Online Aggressive Conduct (SCOAC) among Brazilian adolescents. The SCOAC demonstrated high reliability and validity, providing a practical tool for identifying cyberbullying risks.
Background
Cyberbullying is a significant concern among adolescents, with increasing prevalence linked to emotional distress and mental health issues. The lack of standardized measurement tools hampers effective identification and intervention. This study addresses the need for a validated scale to assess cyberbullying among Brazilian youth.
Data Highlights
Measure
Value
KMO
0.890
Variance Explained
72.4%
CFI
0.991
TLI
0.989
RMSEA
0.030
SRMR
0.048
Total SCOAC Reliability (α)
0.915
Criterion Validity (ρ with FCBVS)
0.649
AUC (ROC Analysis)
0.85
Percentage with CYB Signs
29.9%
Key Findings
The SCOAC consists of 17 items across three factors: Threat, Defamation/Exposure, and Emotional Problems.
High reliability was confirmed with total α=0.915 and ω=0.919.
Criterion validity showed a significant correlation with the FCBVS (ρ = 0.649).
Convergent validity indicated higher correlations with smartphone use indicators.
29.9% of participants showed signs of cyberbullying, linked to greater emotional distress and impulsivity.
Clinical Implications
The SCOAC provides a reliable and valid tool for clinicians and educators to identify cyberbullying among adolescents. Early identification can facilitate timely interventions to address emotional distress and improve mental health outcomes.
Conclusion
The SCOAC is a robust instrument for measuring cyberbullying, offering significant potential for screening and intervention in adolescent populations.
