Emotional Intelligence and Hostility as Predictors of Cyber Bullying Among Undergraduates

Abstract

This study examined emotional intelligence and hostility as predictors of cyber bullying among undergraduates. A total of two hundred and thirty-seven (237)  ndergraduates from Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu, Awka North were selected for the study. They include 98 males (41.4%) and 139 females (58.6%) whose age ranged from 15 to 26 years with a mean age of 22.23 and a standard deviation of 2.43. Three instruments were used for data collection  namely: Emotional Intelligence Scale by Lane, Meyer, Tracey, Davies, Thelwell, Gobirick, Carers, Willson and Westen (2009), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire by Buss and Perry (1992) and Cyberbullying Test by Garaigordobil (2013). Two hypotheses were stated and tested at 0.05 significant levels. Linear Regression Analysis was used in the study to test emotional intelligence and hostility as predictors of cyber bullying among undergraduates. The findings of the study showed that emotional intelligence negatively predicted cyber bullying among undergraduates (Coefficient Beta = -.11, p<.05), thereby accepting hypothesis one, which stated that emotional intelligence would predict cyber bullying among
undergraduates. However, hostility positively predicted cyber bullying among undergraduates (Coefficient Beta = .03, p<.05), thereby accepting hypothesis two, which stated that hostility would predict cyber bullying among undergraduates. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that schools should start up anti-cyber bullying programs and preventive strategies through public awareness campaigns using posters, electronics and social media. And they should provide training for faculties and address cyber bullying.