Cyberbullying of Adolescents With Disabilities and its Relationship to Their Psychological Adjustment

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine cyberbullying among adolescents with disabilities and its relationship with their psychological adjustment. The study sample consisted of 90 adolescents with visual, physical, and hearing disabilities, selected via convenience sampling from special education centers in Amman, Jordan. Employing a descriptive correlational research design, the researchers developed two instruments: the Cyberbullying Scale for Adolescents with Disabilities and the Psychological Adjustment Scale. Following the verification of their validity and reliability, the scales were administered to the participants. The findings indicated that the level of cyberbullying among adolescents with disabilities was low, while their level of psychological adjustment was high. Statistically significant differences in cyberbullying levels were observed based on the type of disability, with adolescents with hearing disabilities experiencing higher levels of victimization; however, no significant differences were found regarding gender or age. Regarding psychological adjustment, no significant differences were identified regarding gender while statistically significant differences were found regarding the type of disability with adolescents with visual disabilities experiencing higher levels, and statistically significant differences were found regarding the age in favor of adolescents aged from 16-18. Furthermore, the results revealed a significant negative correlation between cyberbullying and psychological adjustment. The study recommends conducting further research on cyberbullying among adolescents with disabilities in relation to variables not addressed in the current study.