Author(s)

YuanHang Zeng^*, XueNing Ma

Affiliation(s)

Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, Sichuan, China.

Corresponding Author

YuanHang Zeng

ABSTRACT

Based on the attachment theory framework, this study empirically investigates the relationship between cyberbullying and mental health, as well as its underlying mechanism, among adolescents in Luzhou City through questionnaire surveys and statistical analyses. Results reveal a significant positive association between the frequency of cyberbullying victimization and levels of loneliness and depression, indicating that cyberbullying exerts a notable negative predictive effect on adolescent mental health. Parental attachment and peer attachment both demonstrate significant negative correlations with loneliness and depression, suggesting that secure attachment relationships serve as protective factors against psychological risks. Hierarchical regression analyses further show that parental attachment significantly moderates the impact of cyberbullying on mental health, whereas the moderating effect of peer attachment remains non-significant. This research extends the application of attachment theory to the context of adolescent cyberbullying, offering dual theoretical contributions: it explicates the buffering role of family attachment in mitigating cyberbullying effects and empirically validates the protective function of attachment relationships in mental health. The findings provide a scientific foundation for educational authorities to design attachment-oriented interventions while offering actionable strategies for strengthening parent-child relationships at home and optimizing school-based mental health programs. This study thus holds critical theoretical and practical significance for enhancing regional adolescent mental health through evidence-based policy and intervention development. 

KEYWORDS

Adolescent cyberbullying; Mental health; Attachment theory; Parental attachment; Peer attachment; Moderating effects

CITE THIS PAPER

YuanHang Zeng, XueNing Ma. An empirical study on cyberbullying and mental health among adolescents in Luzhou: from the perspective of attachment theory. Trends in Social Sciences and Humanities Research. 2025, 3(3): 57-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/tsshr3153.

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