Exploring the mediation role of self-compassion in the association between bullying perpetration and depression: A cross culture comparison study

Abstract

Background: Bullying perpetration is a well-established risk factor for depression. One potential explanation for the elevated depression levels among perpetrators is reduced self-compassion resulting from the process of dehumanisation during bullying perpetration, while the effects of this may vary across cultures. Objective: To explore the potential role of two dimensions of self-compassion, namely compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding, in the relationship between bullying perpetration and depression, considering cultural differences. Participants and setting: 3,982 adolescents aged 12–18 years from Hong Kong, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands completed questionnaires regarding traditional bullying and cyberbullying perpetration, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms. Methods: Moderated mediation analyses were conducted, considering a potential moderating effect of Eastern and Western culture. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore cross-cultural differences in the mediation models. Results: Significant associations were found between cyberbullying perpetration and depressive symptoms (β = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p = 0.007). Uncompassionate self-response partially mediated the association between traditional bullying perpetration and depressive symptoms (β = 0.08, SE = 0.01, p < 0.001). A significant interaction effect was found between traditional bullying perpetration and culture in predicting compassionate self-responding (β = 0.11, SE = 0.04, p = 0.002). The association between traditional bullying perpetration and compassionate self-responding was identified only in Western participants (β = 0.12, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Uncompassionate self-responding mediated the association between traditional bullying perpetration and depression. Interventions and prevention programs should target uncompassionate self-responding among bullying perpetrators to prevent depressive symptoms. The distinct and culturally-specific roles of compassionate and uncompassionate self-compassion were supported, providing insights into the internal structure of self-compassion and its role in bullying behaviour.