Partisanship, Cyberbullying, & Suicidal Thoughts

By Yuan Peng MSCJ and Wayne L. Davis Ph.D.

This study examines if there is a difference in the percentage of cyberbullying between Republican and Democrat states and if there is a relationship between being cyberbullied and having suicidal thoughts. Chapter 1 describes cyberbullying and related problems, the theoretical framework, the significance of the study, the research design, the research questions, the studys assumptions and limitations, and expected findings. Chapter 2 presents a literature review on political orientation and cyberbullying. Chapter 3 discusses the current studys methodology. Chapter 4 analyzes the current studys data. Finally, chapter 5 describes the current studys results.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543456332

Yuan Peng MSCJ

Yuan Peng holds a Bachelor of English Education from Luoyang Normal University (China) and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Lincoln Memorial University (Tennessee). Prior to working in the field of Criminal Justice, she has served as a teacher assistant and tour guide, and she has been involved in several important business and government receptions. Dr. Wayne L. Davis has over 20 years of law enforcement experience with city, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. He has an electrical engineering, business, and law enforcement background. Dr. Davis has served as a visiting professor at Liaocheng University in China and has many publications.

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Copyright © 2017 by Yuan Peng, MSCJ Wayne L. Davis, Ph.D.

ISBN:                  Softcover                         978-1-5434-5634-9

                            eBook                               978-1-5434-5633-2

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Cover:

Yuan Peng

Illustrators:

Derrick Freeman

Ariana Greer

Dawn Larder

Ziqing Ma

Rev. date: 10/20/2017

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Abstract

There is a difference between Democrats and Republicans on their philosophy on laws and government interventions. The general purpose of the study is to investigate a) if there is a difference in the percentage of students who were electronically bullied in Democrat states and Republican states and b) if there is a correlation between the percentage of students who were electronically bullied and the percentage of students who seriously considered suicide. The results of the independent samples t-tests indicate that female students in Democrat states are less likely to be cyberbullied than in Republican states (although this did not apply to male students). The results of the linear regression analysis indicate that once students are cyberbullied, both males and females, they will seriously consider suicide. Therefore, the problem of suicidal thoughts may be influenced through the control of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can be controlled through appropriate laws supported by the political party.

Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

Introduction to the Problem

Statement of the Problem

Purpose of the Study

Significance of the Study

Research Design

Research Questions and Null Hypotheses

Assumptions and Limitations

Operational Definition of Terms

Expected Findings

Summary

CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

Theoretical Orientation

Review of the Literature

Synthesis of the Research Findings

Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY

Purpose of the Study

Research Design

Target Population and Participant Selection

Procedures

Measures

Research Questions and Null Hypotheses

Data Analysis Procedures

Expected Findings

CHAPTER 4. DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS

Introduction

Research Questions and Null Hypotheses

Data Analysis Strategy and Organization of Statistical Results

Description of the Sample

Descriptive Statistics & Parametric Assumptions

Details of Analysis and Results

Conclusion

CHAPTER 5. RESULTS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of the Results

Discussion of Results

Discussion of the Conclusions

Practical Implications

Limitations

Recommendations for Future Research

APPENDIX

REFERENCES

List of Tables

Table 1  Descriptive Statistics of Sample: Female, Male, and Total Students

Table 2  T-test Results: Partisanship and Female Students

Table 3  T-test Results: Partisanship and Male Studentsv

Table 4  T-test Results: Partisanship and Total Percent Students

List of Figures

Figure 1. Computer crimes.

Figure 2. Partisanship.

Figure 3. Laws.

Figure 4. Certainty of punishment.

Figure 5. Celerity of punishment.

Figure 6. Cyberbullying.

Figure 7. The law and deterrence theory.

Figure 8. Presidential election and partisanship.

Figure 9. Electronic bullying is a crime.

Figure 10. Punishment for youth.

Figure 11. Tough on crime.

Figure 12. Severity of punishment.

Figure 13. The reach of cyberspace.

Figure 14. Significance of cyberbullying and having suicidal thoughts.

Figure 15. Land of the free to be free from harm.

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Introduction to the Problem

Cyberbullying and Unguarded Teens

According to the Center for the Digital Future, the time that Americans spend on the Internet has increased dramatically in recent years (Lebo, 2010). Evidently, electronic communications provide a new form of interaction that enables users to interact with other people more conveniently. Indeed, the innovation of the Internet has benefited Americans in ways like never before. However, regardless of the conveniences, online interactions also have risks. Because of the teenagers’ increased use of social media, they are especially vulnerable to these risks.

Several studies suggest that teenagers are largely victimized by their Internet experiences (Kowalski, Limber & Agatston, 2012; Lenhart, 2009, 2010). The use of social media with portable devices like cell phones, for instance, endangers teenagers, who often do not protect their personal information. Predators steal their personal information from social media, which causes the teenagers harm.

image003.jpg

Figure 1. Computer crimes.

Lenhart (2007) pointed out that 32% of teenagers have been cyberbullied. Half of them reported