Low Self-Control and Cyber Victimization Among Spamast Students: The Mediating Effect of Cyberspace Addiction

Abstract

This study aimed to assess and explore the levels and relationships among low self-control, cyber victimization, and cyberspace addiction among students of Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST). Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved 359 participants who completed adapted survey questionnaires. The results revealed that self-control varied across dimensions: physical activities received the highest ratings, while self-centeredness was lowest, resulting in an overall self-control mean. Cyber victimization scores indicated students experienced considerable distress, though the perceived severity of their victimization was lower, with the overall mean. For cyberspace addiction, online gaming was the most prominent, whereas social media addiction was less frequent, with a total mean. Correlation analyses showed moderate positive relationships between low self-control and cyber victimization, low self-control and cyberspace addiction, and cyberspace addiction and cyber victimization. Mediation analysis, confirmed by the Sobel Test, highlighted the significant role of cyberspace addiction in mediating the relationship between low self-control and cyber victimization, underscoring its importance in this dynamic. Additionally, cyberspace addiction directly impacts cyber victimization, further emphasizing the importance of addressing cyberspace addiction when considering factors that contribute to cyber victimization among students. These findings are essential for criminological research and interventions involving youth.