THE IMPACT OF CYBERBULLYING ON PHUBBING BEHAVIOR AND THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PALESTINE

Abstract

This study explores the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between cyberbullying and ignoring behavior among university students in Palestine. A descriptive-correlational quantitative design was used. Data were collected from a sample of 400 students from An-Najah National University, the Open University in Jerusalem, and Birzeit University using standardized self-report questionnaires. The analyses revealed that cyberbullying had a significant direct impact on ignoring behavior. Self-efficacy was found to be a significant partial mediator with an indirect effect. Furthermore, significant differences were found: males reported higher exposure to cyberbullying (M=2.48) compared to females (M=2.03), while females reported higher levels of self-efficacy (M=4.10) compared to males (M=3.78). Undergraduate students showed higher levels of ignoring behavior (M=2.71) compared to master's students (M=2.53). The study concludes that while cyberbullying directly promotes ignoring behavior, self-efficacy acts as a crucial protective factor that mitigates this relationship. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions in Palestinian universities focusing on enhancing students' self-efficacy and implementing programs to prevent cyberbullying, particularly concerning male students.