Open Access

ARTICLE

Is Peer Victimization Associated with Higher Online Trolling among Adolescents? The Mediation of Hostile Attribution Bias and the Moderation of Trait Mindfulness

by Yuedong Qiu¹, Qi Sun¹, Jie Zhou², Ni Jiang¹, Wenyu Zeng¹, Biyun Wu³, Fang Li^1,4,*

1 School of Psychology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, China
2 Center of Adolescent Growth Services, Sichuan Dazhu Middle School, Dazhou, 635100, China
3 Center of Mental Health Education, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510470, China
4 Sichuan Key Laboratory of Psychology and Behavior of Discipline Inspection and Supervision, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, China

* Corresponding Author: Fang Li. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2024, 26(8), 623-632. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2024.053926

Received 15 May 2024; Accepted 15 July 2024; Issue published 30 August 2024

Abstract

Background: In recent years, online trolling has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental effects on mental health and social well-being. The current study examined the influence of peer victimization on adolescent online trolling behavior, proposing that hostile attribution bias mediated this relationship and that trait mindfulness moderated both the direct and indirect effects. Methods: A total of 833 Chinese adolescents completed the measurements of peer victimization, hostile attribution bias, trait mindfulness, and online trolling. Moderated mediation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between these variables. Results: After controlling for gender and residential address, the study found a significant positive correlation between peer victimization and online trolling, with hostile attribution bias serving as a mediator. In addition, trait mindfulness moderated the direct relationship between peer victimization and online trolling. Specifically, the effect of peer victimization on online trolling was attenuated when adolescents had high levels of trait mindfulness. The results of the study emphasized the joint role of peer and personal factors in adolescents’ online trolling behavior and provide certain strategies for intervening in adolescents’ online trolling behavior. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that strategies focusing on peer support and mindfulness training can have a positive impact on reducing online trolling behavior, promoting adolescents’ mental health, and their long-term development.

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Keywords

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