IM PACT OF PERCEIVED CYBERBULLYING BEHAVIOUR ON MENTAL HEALTH: MODERATING ROLE OF PERSONALITY TRAIT AMONG UNDERGRADUATES AT NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI

AbstractCyberbullying has emerged as a significant psychosocial risk factor for mental health among university students. This study examined the predictive influence of perceived cyberbullying behaviour on mental health and investigated the role of personality traits among undergraduate students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 395 undergraduates selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Standardized instruments were used for data collection, including the CyberVictimization Scale, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, and the Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis. Results indicated that perceived cyberbullying behaviour significantly predicted mental health among undergraduates. Personality traits did not independently predict mental health; however, cyberbullying behaviour and personality traits jointly contributed significantly to the prediction of mental health. Further analysis revealed that personality traits did not moderate the relationship between cyberbullying behaviour and mental health. The findings underscore the detrimental impact of cyberbullying on students’ mental health and highlight the need for institutional policies and psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing cyberbullying and promoting mental well-being among Nigerian university students.Keywords: Perceived cyberbullying, Mental health and Personality trait, Undergraduates