Aggression in the Digital Era: Assessing the Validity of the Cyber Motivations for Aggression and Deviance Scale

Abstract

Empirical studies of adult cyber-aggression are sparse, partly due to a lack of validated assessments. We evaluated a new measure, the <i>Cyber Motivations for Aggression and Deviance</i> (Cyber-MAD) scale, designed to assess the motivations of adult cyber-aggression. Psychometric properties and factor structure were examined across three adult samples who regularly used the internet and reported a history of cyber-aggression. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the motivations for cyber-aggression indicated an eight-factor model best fit the data, with separable factors emerging for cyber-aggression motivated by a desire to affiliate with others (<i>Social Bonding</i>), advance or defend political/social issues (<i>Social Activism</i>), act on angry feelings (<i>Reactive Aggression</i>), cope with relationship stress (<i>Interpersonal Distress</i>), satisfy impulsive urges (<i>Impulsivity</i>), adopt a new online persona (<i>Virtual Dissociation)</i>, experience excitement (<i>Thrill-Seeking)</i>, and seek revenge (<i>Vengeance)</i>. Overall, the Cyber-MAD scale showed good internal consistency, structural stability across samples, and construct validity, supporting its initial validation.