Navigating Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors in Cyberbullied Young Adults: The Protective Roles of Resilience and Spiritual Well-Being

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the protective roles of resilience and spiritual well-being against suicidal ideation and behaviors among cyberbullied young adults, using a stress and coping theoretical framework. METHOD: = 26.12 years; 43.1% male) completed an online survey assessing suicidal ideation and behaviors (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale; SIDAS), cyberbullying victimization (Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey; COAS), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale; CD-RISC-10), and spiritual well-being (Spiritual Well-Being Scale; SWBS). RESULTS: Using Hayes' PROCESS macro Models 1 and 2, we found a positive association between cyberbullying victimization and suicidal ideation and behaviors. While both resilience and spiritual well-being emerged as significant moderators when examined individually, the joint moderation model revealed that only resilience uniquely weakened the positive association between cyberbullying victimization and suicidal ideation and behaviors. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that while both factors are inherently protective, resilience serves as the primary unique buffer mitigating suicidal ideation and behaviors among cyberbullied young adults. Practitioners may consider prioritizing interventions that enhance psychological resilience, while acknowledging the complementary supportive role of spiritual well-being.