The Bidirectional Mediation Roles of Depression and Hostile Attribution Bias in the Relationship between Peer Conflict and Adolescents’ Cyberbullying Perpetration: A Two-Wave Study

Abstract

Previous research has established that the quality of peer relationships significantly impacts adolescents’ physical and mental health. However, the relationship between peer conflict and cyberbullying perpetration remains insufficiently explored. Based on the General Aggression Model and the General Strain Theory, this study investigates the mediating role of depression and hostile attribution bias in the relationship between peer conflict and cyberbullying perpetration, as well as the moderating role of gender, aiming to offer a new perspective on understanding adolescent cyberbullying perpetration. Employing a two-wave survey design, the study encompassed 900 adolescents (Mage = 13.45, girls = 452), collecting data on peer conflict, depression, hostile attribution bias, and cyberbullying perpetration through self-reported questionnaires. The findings revealed that peer conflict at Time 1 (T1) significantly and positively predicted cyberbullying perpetration at Time 2 (T2). Depression and hostile attribution bias at T2 acted both individually and in a bidirectional chain as mediators between peer conflict at T1 and cyberbullying perpetration at T2. Gender differences were observed in the paths “peer conflict T1 → cyberbullying perpetration T2” and “depression T2 → cyberbullying perpetration T2.” Specifically, compared to girls, boys who experienced peer conflict and depression were more likely to engage in cyberbullying perpetration. These findings not only theoretically expand the application of the General Strain Theory and the General Aggression Model, but also provide practical guidance for the prevention and intervention of cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents.