Development of a cyberbullying victimization scale for adolescents in South Korea

Abstract

The study developed and validated a cyberbullying victimization scale by using a mixed-method approach. We generated 26 statements on cyberbullying via a literature review and concept mapping. We then modified these statements based on a qualitative expert review and Delphi survey and tested the reliability and validity of the scale. Exploratory factor analysis yielded 14 items, with a reliability of 0.80. We divided the scale into three subscales: verbal and sexual attacks, intrusiveness and social exclusion, and threat and extortion. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor model for this scale and presented an adequate-to-high model fit. This scale significantly correlated with all six external criteria and encompassed the essential elements of cyberbullying victimization and its unique features.