Cristina Jenaro1, Noelia Flores2, Vanessa Vega3, Maribel Cruz4, Ma Carmen Pérez5, Víctor A Torres6. 1. INICO (Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Avda. de la Merced, 109-131, 37005, Salamanca, Spain. Electronic address: crisje@usal.es. 2. INICO (Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Avda. de la Merced, 109-131, 37005, Salamanca, Spain. Electronic address: nrobaina@usal.es. 3. Escuela de Pedagogía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avda. El Bosque 1290, Santa Inés, Viña del Mar, Chile. Electronic address: vanessa.vega@pucv.cl. 4. Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí Mexico, Av. Niño artillero 130, Zona Universitaria, C.P. 78240, Mexico. Electronic address: redazul@hotmail.com. 5. Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí Mexico, Av. Niño artillero 130, Zona Universitaria, C.P. 78240, Mexico. Electronic address: salina67@hotmail.com. 6. Master en Psicología General Sanitaria, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Avda. de la Merced, 109-131, 37005, Salamanca, Spain. Electronic address: victorbcn@usal.es.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that youth with disabilities are at risk of experiencing cyberbullying. Nevertheless, the nature of this phenomenon among adults with intellectual disabilities has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the frequency and characteristics of cyberbullying and its correlates in individuals with intellectual disabilities attending training centers for adults with intellectual disabilities. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A convenience sample of 269 participants (54.3% men and 35.7% women), aged 18-40 years was recruited from Chile (14.1%), Mexico (32%), and Spain (53.9%). RESULTS: The findings showed that 15.2% have been cyberbullied 9.7% are currently being cyberbullied. Being different was the main reason (97.7%) for being cyberbullied. The behaviors happen in educational settings (46.67%), leisure/free time activities (31.11%), and associations for people with disabilities (15.56%). Verbal aggressions (74.53%) were the most common cyberbullying behaviors. Those who were cyberbullied reported more inadequate use of mobile phone and Internet, as well as more unhealthy behaviors and depressive mood. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings support the need for further studies on adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as the need for implementing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs.
BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that youth with disabilities are at risk of experiencing cyberbullying. Nevertheless, the nature of this phenomenon among adults with intellectual disabilities has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the frequency and characteristics of cyberbullying and its correlates in individuals with intellectual disabilities attending training centers for adults with intellectual disabilities. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A convenience sample of 269 participants (54.3% men and 35.7% women), aged 18-40 years was recruited from Chile (14.1%), Mexico (32%), and Spain (53.9%). RESULTS: The findings showed that 15.2% have been cyberbullied 9.7% are currently being cyberbullied. Being different was the main reason (97.7%) for being cyberbullied. The behaviors happen in educational settings (46.67%), leisure/free time activities (31.11%), and associations for people with disabilities (15.56%). Verbal aggressions (74.53%) were the most common cyberbullying behaviors. Those who were cyberbullied reported more inadequate use of mobile phone and Internet, as well as more unhealthy behaviors and depressive mood. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings support the need for further studies on adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as the need for implementing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs.