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Conflict Management Styles and Cybervictimization: Extending Routine Activity Theory

NCJ Number
252224
Journal
Sociological Spectrum Volume: 37 Issue: 4 Dated: 2017 Pages: 250-266
Author(s)
James Hawdon; Matthew Costello; Thomas Ratliff; Lori Hall; Jessica Middleton
Date Published
2017
Length
12 pages
Annotation

In attempting to determine whether online conflict management styles influence the likelihood of cyber victimization, this study used an online survey of youth and young adults recruited from a demographically balanced sample of Americans, using an extended version of routine activity theory to examine how two conflict resolution styles - self-help and toleration - affected the target suitability of online users and, in turn, their likelihood of being a victim of cyber crime.

Abstract

The study findings indicate that individuals who adopt the confrontational conflict resolution style of self-help upon witnessing hostile behavior online are at an increased risk of being victimized; however, tolerating online conflict does not significantly influence the likelihood of victimization, compared to other online behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics. (Publisher abstract modified)