The Hidden Armor: A Population and Behavioral Geography Perspective on Self-Esteem’s Role in Moderating Cyberbullying’s Impact on Adolescents in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Samak, Yasser; Khusaifan, Shatha Jamil

doi:10.21608/mkasu.2025.343854.1409

The Hidden Armor: A Population and Behavioral Geography Perspective on Self-Esteem’s Role in Moderating Cyberbullying’s Impact on Adolescents in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Document Type : Academic scientific reviews of any other material related to the main domains of this Journal.

Authors

¹ Assiut University - Faculty Of Arts Geography and GIS Dept

² King Abdulaziz University, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, P.O. Box 42803, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia.

10.21608/mkasu.2025.343854.1409

Abstract

Abstract

Cyberbullying is a widespread issue for adolescents, particularly where digital connectivity is growing. This study explores self-esteem’s dual role as a mediator and a moderator between cyberbullying and victimization among Assiut Governorate’s adolescents in Egypt. This research considers the spatial distribution of direct and indirect aggression and their psychological consequences by using a combination of behavioral geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The findings show self-esteem’s significant mediation of the cyberbullying–victimization relationship, with its reduction of the psychological harm following cyberbullying. Adolescents with high self-esteem present lower levels of emotional adversity and victimization because they have been cushioned from that by their self-esteem. Self-esteem also moderates that relationship’s intensity as cyberbullying’s impact on victimization has been weakened by their higher self-esteem.

GIS was used to map the patterns of cyberbullying patterns and showed conspicuous differences between the Assiut Governorate’s rural and urban areas. This use of GIS enables an understanding of the subtle geographic differences involved in the experience of cyberbullying and its by-products. These new understandings provide the necessary foundation for devising culturally suitable interventions that will improve self-esteem and attend to cyberbullying’s psychological effects.

This research emphasizes the seriousness of developing self-esteem for its protective capacity when cyberbullying is being opposed, particularly where mental health resources are limited. Future recommendations for improving adolescent resilience and increasing the public’s awareness of cyber safety include formulating suitable school-based programs and policies.

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