Self-Esteem as a Moderator Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Depression in a Sample of Nigerian Youths

Victor Chidi Onyencho; Anthony Gbenro Balogun; Choja Akpovire Oduaran

doi:10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.352

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Self-Esteem as a Moderator Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Depression in a Sample of Nigerian Youths

Mental Health: Global Challenges

Volume 9 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

By: Victor Chidi Onyencho , Anthony Gbenro Balogun and Choja Akpovire Oduaran

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

Introduction

Cyberbullying victimization is a pervasive global problem among youths, with those in developing countries, particularly Nigeria, experiencing disproportionate exposure and vulnerability. Research has consistently demonstrated that cyberbullying victimization is associated with adverse mental health outcomes, especially depression. However, although the detrimental effects of cyberbullying victimization on youth depression have been well documented, there is limited understanding of the psychological factors that may moderate this relationship.

Purpose

Guided by sociometer theory, the present study examined self-esteem as a potential moderator of the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression among Nigerian youths.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 500 participants (220 males and 280 females) drawn from churches, secondary schools, and higher education institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria. Participants completed validated self-report measures. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the study hypotheses.

Results

The results revealed a significant positive association between cyberbullying victimization and depression. Self-esteem was negatively associated with depression and significantly moderated the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that self-esteem functions as a protective factor, buffering the adverse effects of cyberbullying victimization on depression. The results highlight the importance of developing and enforcing anti-cyberbullying policies, as well as integrating self-esteem enhancement interventions into mental health programmes aimed at mitigating the psychosocial consequences of cyberbullying victimization in Nigeria.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.352 | Journal eISSN: 2612-2138

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Language: English

Page range: 95 - 104

Submitted on: Feb 5, 2026

Accepted on: May 9, 2026

Published on: May 18, 2026

Published by: International Platform on Mental Health

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: Volume open

Keywords:

Mental Health,

Cyberbullying victimization,

Nigeria,

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Psychiatry, psychotherapy,

Social sciences,

Psychology,

Psychology, other

© 2026 Victor Chidi Onyencho, Anthony Gbenro Balogun, Choja Akpovire Oduaran, published by International Platform on Mental Health
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 9 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)