Cyberbullying and PTSD Symptoms: A Psychological Study

Abstract Cyberbullying is a serious cybercrime that can have long-term effects on victims’ mental health. This study examines the presence and severity of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms among individuals who have experienced cyberbullying. A sample of 200 participants (100 cyberbullying victims and 100 control group) aged 18-25 was selected. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PCL-5 PTSD Scale (Weathers et al., 2013, adapted for the Indian context). ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) revealed that cyberbullying victims exhibited significantly higher PTSD symptoms than the control group (p < 0.01). The findings can help mental health professionals and policymakers develop better intervention strategies for cyberbullying victims. Keywords Cyberbullying, PTSD, Mental Health, ANOVA, Social Media, Psychological Impact