Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis & Resolution

Department

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – Department of Conflict Resolution Studies

First Advisor

Robin Cooper

Second Advisor

Elena Bastidas

Third Advisor

Wendy Betts-Crane

Keywords

bully, bullying, cyberbully, cyber bully, female, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Within the last decade, increased media coverage has been given to incidents associated with acts of violence associated with bullying, cyber bullying, and other associated acts of incivility. The increased media coverage has garnered the attention of researchers from a diverse field of disciplines. However, much of the research that has been conducted has remained focused in North America and Europe. This study identified a limitation in the research available that focused on bullying in the Middle East region of the world, specifically the perceptions and experiences of cyber bullying behavior by female university students in the United Arab Emirates. The study employed a quantitative approach to the research. Participants in the study completed a survey, which collected data related to individuals’ personal experiences and perceptions pertaining to cyber bullying. The study employed the theoretical framework of Perception Theory, Symbolic Interaction Theory, and Conflict Theory. This study provides better understanding on the perceptions and experiences of cyber bullying experiences of female university students at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. A quantitative study with a sample size of 655 (n=655) participants, the study yielded responses that demonstrated a significant online social media presence of 90.3% (n=592), 47.39% (n= 291) have reported experiencing harassment online, and 95% reported a desire to create a kind and respectful online world. The information from this study will help the greater field of conflict resolution by gaining an understanding of the widespread impact of cyber bullying on an international level.

Download
Share Feedback

Share

COinS