Dark Tetrad Personality as a Predictor of Cyberbullying Perpetration amongst Malaysian University Students

Saw, Geok Yee and Ooi, Jian Wei Dark Tetrad Personality as a Predictor of Cyberbullying Perpetration amongst Malaysian University Students. Dark Tetrad Personality as a Predictor of Cyberbullying Perpetration. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The objectives of this study is to investigate the gender difference in cyberbullying perpetration and to investigate which dimension of dark tetrad personality can significantly predict cyberbullying perpetration among Malaysian university students. A total of 143 university students consisting of 69 (48.30%) males and 74 (51.70%) females have participated in the study. The Short Dark Tetrad (SD4) and Cyber-Bullying and Cyber-Victimization Experiences Questionnaire - English version (CBVEQ-E) were utilized in the development of an online questionnaire. An Independent Samples t-Test was conducted to examine the gender difference in cyberbullying perpetration. Meanwhile, a Multiple Regression Analysis was performed to examine if dark tetrad personality could significantly predict cyberbullying perpetration. Results showed that there was a significant gender difference in cyberbullying perpetration, whereby t(141) = 2.252, p = .026 < .05. Male students were more likely to engage in cyberbullying compared to female students. Moreover, it was also found that dark tetrad personality traits significantly predicted cyberbullying perpetration, whereby dark tetrad personality has accounted for a significant 52.7% of the variability in cyberbullying behaviours. This research presents empirical evidence to various stakeholders in Malaysia, and helps future study and relevant parties to develop effective methods in preventing the occurrences of cyberbullying. Keywords: dark tetrad personality, cyberbullying perpetration, gender