Investigating Structural Relations Model of Cyber-Aggression Based on Perceived Stress with the Mediating Role of Virtual Networks Dependency in Students of Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 2019: A Descriptive Study

The use of virtual networks has become a natural modern behavior, but the traumatic forms of their use have also received much attention in the last two decades. This study aimed at modelling structural relations of cyber-aggression based on perceived stress with the mediating role of virtual networks dependency in students of Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 2019.

In this descriptive study, the statistical population included all students of Mohaghegh Ardebili University in the second semester of the academic year 2018-2019. From this community, 221 students were selected through multistage random cluster sampling and responded to Cyber-Aggression Questionnaire (Álvarez-García), Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale and Young’s Internet Addiction Test, individually. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling (SEM).

The results indicated that cyber-aggression has positive relationship with perceived stress (r=0.50; p<0.001) and virtual networks dependency (r=0.57; p<0.001). Also, virtual networks dependency was positively associated with perceived stress (r=0.82; p<0.001). The model fitness indexes confirmed the path of perceived stress to the cyber-aggression with the mediating role of virtual networks dependency.

The results showed that perceived stress is associated with cyber-aggression mediated with dependence on virtual networks. It seems that universities can organize workshops to inform students about the positive and negative effects and how to use them properly and scientifically and to reap the benefits.