Being Grateful During Adolescence: Positive Psychological Benefits for Both Cyberaggressors and Cybervictims
摘要
Adolescence is a vital and transition period between childhood and adulthood, marked by significant biological, psychosocial, and educational changes. How adolescents cope with these challenges greatly influences their psychological adjustment and mental health. Cyberbullying has become an escalating concern due to its increasing prevalence and detrimental effects on adolescents’ mental health. Among the various factors supporting adolescent well-being, gratitude has emerged as a valuable resource and strength. Defined as both a dispositional trait and a prosocial emotional response to actions that enhance one’s well-being, gratitude is linked to reduced internalising symptoms, improved coping strategies, increased life satisfaction, and stronger interpersonal relationships. These benefits extend beyond daily experiences to more complex situations, such as aggressive behaviours mediated by digital devices among adolescents. Thus, this chapter provides scientific evidence on the potential protective effects of gratitude against cyberbullying. It details its role in the prevention of these aggressive behaviours and the mitigation of their psychological impact on involved adolescents. Furthermore, it highlights how this resource can be cultivated to promote healthier adjustment among adolescents encountering these challenges.