PSYCHOLOGICAL STRAIN OF CYBERBULLYING ON MENTAL HEALTH AMONG PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS IN BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological effects of cyberbullying on psychology students at Bestlink College of the Philippines during the academic year 2024–2025. It aims to identify common forms of cyberbullying, assess its impact on levels of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem, and examine the coping mechanisms employed by students to manage the resulting emotional and psychological distress. This study adopted a correlational descriptive research design to explore the relationship between cyberbullying and its psychological impact on the mental health of psychology students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. A total of 207 participants, aged 18 to 25, were selected through purposive sampling. Standardized survey instruments were used for data collection, including the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, all measured using a four-point Likert scale. The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the statistical relationship between variables. The findings revealed that 74.50% of the respondents were female. The most common forms of cyberbullying reported included the dissemination of false information, offensive messaging, and harassment via social media platforms. Psychological assessments showed that 28.02% of participants experienced moderate depression, 36.23% exhibited moderate anxiety, and 46.38% demonstrated low self-esteem. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between gender and mental health outcomes, with female respondents showing stronger correlations with depression (r = 0.9871, p = 0.0531) and anxiety (r = 0.963, p = 0.012). Cyberbullying was found to significantly affect students' mental health, particularly in terms of depression and anxiety. Notably, self-esteem did not show a significant correlation among male respondents. These results emphasize the importance of implementing targeted mental health initiatives and cyber safety programs within academic institutions. The study concludes that cyberbullying has a significant negative effect on the mental health of psychology students, leading to heightened levels of depression and anxiety. These outcomes emphasize the importance of implementing preventive strategies, such as awareness campaigns, counseling services, and digital safety education, to support students' mental well-being and reduce the psychological harm associated with online harassment.