The long-term effectiveness and gender differences in coping strategies for cyberbullying victimization among Chinese college students

The high prevalence and detrimental effects of cyberbullying victimization (CBV) have established it as a critical focus of global research. Identifying long-term effective coping strategies is essential for addressing this issue. This study primarily aims to examine the long-term effectiveness and gender differences in coping strategies for CBV by employing both variable-centred and person-centred analytical approaches to analyze longitudinal data from 1,148 Chinese college students over a three-year period. The findings reveal several key insights: (1) Technical coping, distal advice, and close support are effective strategies, and their utilization is significantly associated with a reduction in CBV and an improvement in well-being. Furthermore, improvements in close support have the most significant impact on enhancing well-being levels and enhancements in distal advice are most effective in reducing CBV. (2) Among the three identified coping profiles (i.e., positive, negative, and mixed), the positive coping profile—characterized by the highest levels of technical coping, distal advice, close support, and assertiveness—emerges as the most effective. The positive coping profile at an earlier time point is associated with the lowest levels of CBV and the highest well-being at a subsequent time point. Although this profile constitutes the second largest proportion, its prevalence declines over time. (3) Compared to males, females employ significantly more technical coping, close support, and distal advice. Gender significantly influences both the coping profile individuals belong to and their transitions between profiles, with females more likely to belong to the positive coping profile (using the mixed profile as a reference) and more readily transitioning from negative or mixed coping to the positive coping profile. To mitigate future CBV and enhance well-being, it is crucial to encourage college students, particularly males, to consistently and actively engage in technical coping, distal advice, and close support.