From Family Dynamics to Online Interactions: Exploring the Predictors of Aggression in Social Media Settings

Introduction: Cyber intimate partner violence (CIPV) in adolescents is influenced by individual and relational factors, including psychopathic traits, antisocial and law-violating behaviors, child-to-parent violence, and dating violence. This study examines predictors of cyber-aggression, cyber-control perpetration, cyber-victimization, and received cyber-control using hierarchical regression models (HRM) and fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). Method: A total of 223 Spanish adolescents (M = 16.18; SD = 1.52) aged 14-18 years completed measures of psychopathy (P-16), antisocial behavior (ECADA), child-to-parent violence (CTS2), and dating violence (CADRI), along with the Violence in Adolescent Relationships on Social Media (e-VPA). Results: HRM showed that child-to-parent violence and experienced dating violence were common predictors across cyber-aggression, cyber-victimization, and received cyber-control. Cyber-control perpetration was mainly influenced by psychopathy and perpetrated dating violence. fsQCA revealed multiple pathways leading to high levels of CIPV, combining psychopathy, antisocial behaviors, and family and partner violence. However, cyber-aggression perpetration could not be analyzed due to insufficient variability. Conclusions: Findings suggest that CIPV is embedded within broader patterns of antisocial behavior and offline violence. Prevention efforts should address both family and dating violence to mitigate cyber-aggression and victimization in adolescent relationships.