An intervention using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model: Tackling cyberaggression and cyberbullying in South African adolescents

Popovac, Maša and Fine, Philip A. (2017) An intervention using the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model: Tackling cyberaggression and cyberbullying in South African adolescents. In: Reducing Cyberbullying in Schools: International Evidence-Based Best Practices. Elsevier Academic Press, London, UK, pp. 225-244. ISBN 9780128114230

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Abstract

Given the ever-increasing concern about cyberaggression and cyberbullying, the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model was used to develop an exploratory intervention to increase adolescents’ online risk perception and enhance online safety. The intervention workshops were piloted with 177 females in grades 8-10 (13-16 years) in South Africa. Participants’ online risk perception was assessed either before (control group) or after the workshop (intervention group). Results showed that the intervention group had higher online risk perception, indicating the intervention’s effectiveness in increasing online risk perception, a prerequisite for behavior change. The intervention was more effective when it was tailored to participants’ online behaviors and perceptions than when it was more general. The study demonstrates the utility of the IMB model for addressing cyberaggression and cyberbullying, and the chapter includes guidance for developing and conducting such an intervention.

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