Healing Beyond Online Abuse: The Role of Forgiveness and Self-Esteem in Mental Health Among Victims of Cyber Dating Abuse
Abstract
The phenomenon of violence in romantic relationships has become increasingly prevalent, particularly through the misuse of modern technology, which negatively affects victims’ mental health, including the emergence of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This study aimed to identify the role of forgiveness and self-esteem as predictors of mental health among victims of cyber dating abuse. The study employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The participants consisted of 122 adolescents aged 15–21 years who had experienced or were currently experiencing cyber dating abuse during the early, middle, or final stages of a romantic relationship. The sampling technique used in this study was accidental sampling. Data were collected using the Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Inventory (TRIM-18), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-38). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings indicated that forgiveness and self-esteem simultaneously served as significant predictors of mental health among victims of cyber dating abuse (F = 12.2, p < 0,001). Specifically, forgiveness was found to be a significant negative predictor of mental health among victims of cyber dating abuse (t = -3.67, p < 0,001). Similarly, self-esteem was also identified as a significant negative predictor of mental health (t = -3.49, p < 0,001). These findings suggest that individuals who experience cyber dating abuse require forgiveness toward the events they have experienced, accompanied by adequate self-esteem, as protective factors. These factors may help victims of cyber dating abuse maintain their mental health in daily life.
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