In attempting to determine whether online conflict management styles influence the likelihood of cyber victimization, this study used an online survey of youth and young adults recruited from a demographically balanced sample of Americans, using an extended version of routine activity theory to examine how two conflict resolution styles - self-help and toleration - affected the target suitability of online users and, in turn, their likelihood of being a victim of cyber crime.
The study findings indicate that individuals who adopt the confrontational conflict resolution style of self-help upon witnessing hostile behavior online are at an increased risk of being victimized; however, tolerating online conflict does not significantly influence the likelihood of victimization, compared to other online behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics. (Publisher abstract modified)