Cyberbullying Victimization among High School and University Students in Ghana

ABSTRACT

This study sought to establish the extent of cyberbullying among students in Ghana, its consequences on the victims, and the characteristics of the victims. The study found that nearly all participants had experienced one form of cyberbullying before. Victims of cyberbullying were not very different from non-victims in psychological wellbeing. The effect of cyberbullying on psychological wellbeing was small, and no clear profile characterizing victims emerged. The present findings should be an eye-opener for Ghanaian parents, educators and health professionals and set the stage for further studies to understand the Ghanaian situation.

KEYWORDS:

• Ghana
• cyberbullying
• personality
• religion
• values

Acknowledgments

The authors are very grateful for invaluable statistical advice from Nora Wiium, University of Bergen, Norway. Funds for this study were provided by the University of Bergen, and the Meltzer-fund.

Additional information

Funding

Funds for this study were provided by the University of Bergen, and the Meltzer-fund.

Notes on contributors

David L. Sam

David L. Sam is a professor of cross-cultural psychology at the University of Bergen, Bergen Norway, and was a Carnegie Diasporan Fellow at the University of Ghana in 2016 when the present study was carried out.

Delphine Bruce

Delphine Bruce is a PhD student of the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon. Her research interest includes neuropsychology rehabilitation, Mental health, acculturation and intercultural research.

Collins B. Agyemang

Collins B. Agyemang is a trained and licensed Industrial and Organizational Psychologist and Management Consultant based in Ghana and serves as an Executive Board Member and National Secretary of Ghana Psychological Association. He lectures at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana, in Management and Psychology based courses.

Benjamin Amponsah

Benjamin Amponsah is a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Ghana, Ghana. He has on two different periods served as the head of the Department of Psychology at the same university.

Helen Arkorful

Helen Arkorful is currently the Dean of Evening School at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana. Prior to this, she served as the Dean of International Affairs, Head of Business Administration Department, and Coordinator for the Diploma in Business Studies all at the same university.