Abstract
Abstract : The purpose of this study was to describe the emotional intelligence levels of adolescents within an urban school in Gauteng. The theories used to underpin this study included the Theory of Planned Behaviour, The Barlett and Gentile Cyberbullying model and the Theory of Symbolic Violence. Findings in literature have suggested that Cyberbullying may have dire consequences for victims of this phenomenon. These include various forms of depression and in some cases, it has been linked to self-harm and suicide. The researcher was interested to see if emotional intelligence may potentially play a role in cyberbullying behaviour, considering that emotional intelligence guides individuals’ actions and behaviours. In light of this the researcher hypothesised that there will be a difference in emotional intelligence levels of cyberbullying perpetrators, bystanders and victims. A Kruskal-Wallis statistical test was employed and it was found that there was no significant difference. A number of other interesting observations did however come to light. Participants were asked a number of questions relating to cyberbullying behaviour. Participants were further asked to indicate whether they self-identify as a victim, bystander or perpetrator of cyberbullying. Participants were allowed to choose more than one...
M.Ed. (Education Psychology)