The Effectiveness of Emotional Self-Regulation Training on Online Disinhibition and Impulsive Behaviors among Students Involved in Cyber Bullying

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Ard.C, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Ard.C, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.

10.22098/jsp.2026.18483.6291

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of emotional self-regulation training on online disinhibition and impulsive behaviors among students engaged in cyberbullying.
Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all male high school students (second cycle) in Ardabil city (District 1) during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 38 students were selected through purposive sampling after screening and were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=19) and the control group (n=19). The experimental group received eight 75-minute weekly sessions of emotional self-regulation training. Data were collected using the Cyberbullying Victimization and Experience Questionnaire (CBVEQ), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), and the Online Disinhibition Scale (ODS). Data were analyzed through multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) using SPSS version 22.
Result: Findings revealed that emotional self-regulation training significantly reduced online disinhibition (F=19.58, p<0.001, η²=0.35) and impulsive behaviors (F=61.48, p<0.001, η²=0.61) among students engaged in cyberbullying and students in the experimental group had less online disinhibition and impulsive behaviors in the post-test than students in the control group.
Conclusion: The results suggest that emotional self-regulation training is effective in decreasing online disinhibition and impulsive behaviors in students involved in cyberbullying. Therefore, this intervention can be used to support students at risk of engaging in cyberbullying behaviors.

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Journal of School Psychology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 July 2026

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