Solution-focused Brief Therapy for Adolescent Cybervictimization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial examined Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) effectiveness for reducing adolescent cybervictimization and psychological symptoms. Method: Twenty-eight high school students with above-average cybervictimization and psychological symptom scores were randomly assigned to experimental ( n = 14) or control ( n = 14) groups. The experimental group received an 8-session SFBT-oriented psychoeducational program. Self-report measures were administered at pretest, post-test, and two-month follow-up. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant group × time interactions for both outcomes. The SFBT program produced large effect sizes (partial η² = 0.72–0.96) with significant reductions maintained at follow-up. Control group showed no significant changes. Discussion: Findings demonstrate that SFBT-oriented interventions offer effective tools for school social workers addressing cyberbullying victimization, showing both statistical and clinical significance for school-based implementation.