An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of the Subjective Emotional Experience of Cyberbullying Among Indonesian Adolescents
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Abstract
Cyberbullying has emerged as a significant psychosocial issue within digital communication, particularly among adolescents navigating identity formation and emotional development. Although previous studies have documented its behavioral and psychological consequences, little is known about how adolescents subjectively interpret and emotionally respond to cyberbullying within their sociocultural context. To address this gap, this study explores the question: How do adolescents in Indonesian digital communities experience and make sense of cyberbullying? Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, the study uncovers the emotional and existential dimensions of cyberbullying based on the lived experiences of adolescent participants. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with eight adolescents aged 15–18, and analyzed using systematic IPA procedures to identify essential themes. The findings revealed three core experiential themes: emotional shock caused by public digital exposure, identity fragmentation influenced by social perception, and silent coping driven by cultural expectations of emotional restraint. These results offer a deeper understanding of cyberbullying as a meaning-laden experience that transcends mere online interaction and penetrates the adolescent's sense of self and belonging. This study underscores the importance of developing culturally tailored interventions and informs educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals in addressing the complex emotional needs of adolescents facing cyberbullying.
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