International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

Understanding Adolescent Cyber Victimization: The Predictive Influence of Mindfulness and Alexithymia Analyzed through Stepwise Regression

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Parinaz Sepehri 1
Seyyed-Mehdi Sarkeshikiyan 2
Elham Aghaie 1
1 Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Educational Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Rudehen Branch, Rudehen, Iran
10.30491/ijbs.2025.510729.2205
Abstract
Introduction: The influence of the cyber world on adolescents is widely acknowledged, with any harm incurred in this domain potentially having lasting impacts on their lives. Cyber victimization emerges as a significant concern in this context. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of mindfulness and alexithymia in predicting cyber victimization among adolescents aged 14 to 18 in Zanjan during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Method: This research utilized a correlational design to examine the relationships between mindfulness, alexithymia, and cyber victimization. Using convenience sampling, a sample of 380 adolescents (195 boys and 185 girls) was selected. The sample size was determined based on Tabachnick and Fidell's formula. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, Toronto Alexithymia (TAS-20), Cyberbullying-Victim Experience Questionnaire, Antiado et al., and Brown and Ryan's Mindfulness Scale (MASS) were performed. For data analysis, stepwise regression was employed using SPSS 27.
Results: In Step 1, alexithymia significantly predicted 8.2% of the variance in cyber victimization (β = 0.286, p = 0.000). In Step 2, with the inclusion of mindfulness, the total explained variance increased by 2.1% (β = -0.161, p = 0.003). The findings indicated that alexithymia had a positive relationship with cyber victimization, while mindfulness showed a significant negative relationship with cyber victimization. Thus, alexithymia and mindfulness were identified as important predictors of adolescents' vulnerability to cyber victimization.
Conclusion: These results suggest potential psychological interventions aimed at reducing the risk of cyber victimization by enhancing mindfulness and reducing alexithymia traits.
Keywords
Adolescent
Cyber Victimization
Alexithymia
Mindfulness
Cyber World
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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 2
Summer 2025
Pages 100-107