Workplace bullying is a serious problem, yet it often does not attract the same level of attention as bullying does in childhood. However, psychology researchers have started investigating this issue, and there have been several recent studies on workplace bullying as it relates to psychology. In this article, we will present the findings of one of these studies (Ansoleaga et al., 2019).
Methods
This study used data from a survey conducted in Chile “[w]ithin the framework of the project FONDECYT Regular N° 1170239”. In total, 1995 responses from people in their 40s were analyzed. In terms of gender, 51% of the respondents were women while 49% were men.
The survey asked about the following topics:
- Workplace vulnerability, as assessed by:
- Fear of demanding better working conditions
- Feeling of unfair treatment
- Concern about changing conditions
- Fear of dismissal if they do not do what they are asked to do
- Concern about dismissal or non-renewal
- Concern about the difficulty of finding another job in the event of dismissal
- Feeling that one can be easily replaced
- Frequency of exposure to behaviors related to bullying in the workplace in the last six months
- Psychological distress
- Job demands, decisional latitude, and social support
- Balance (or imbalance) between effort and reward
- Job satisfaction
- Authoritarian leadership
- Socioeconomic characteristics
Results
Some of the key results were as follows:
- People who feel workplace vulnerability are more likely to experience workplace bullying
- Workplace vulnerability is also positively associated with psychological distress
- People who experience workplace bullying are more likely to experience psychological distress
- Men who are exposed to workplace violence are more likely to experience psychological distress
- Women are more exposed to workplace bullying and workplace vulnerable in general, and are also more exposed to psychological distress in general
- In women, workplace vulnerability leads to psychological distress even when controlling for certain variables
Wrapping up
Altogether, workplace vulnerability, workplace bullying, and psychological distress are all related to each other. However, some of these relationships lose statistical significance when controlling for certain variables like authoritarian leadership and job satisfaction. Regardless of the specific interactions, it is clear that workplace bullying can be harmful to employees who experience bullying, which can lead to psychological distress and negative outcomes.
The authors suggest that these negative effects are particularly exacerbated by “dysfunctional leadership, lack of social support, and work overload”. In other words, if these problems can be addressed in workplaces, the negative effects of workplace bullying can be reduced. Therefore, particular attention should be given to these factors when considering workplace bullying.
References
Ansoleaga, E., Ahumada, M., González-Santa Cruz, A. (2019). Association of Workplace Bullying and Workplace Vulnerability in the Psychological Distress of Chilean Workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(20), E4039. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16204039.
