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Rosander M, Blomberg S, Einarsen SV. Psychometric properties and cut-off scores for the Swedish version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire: The full scale and short version. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:768-780. [PMID: 38590125 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The present study investigates the psychometric properties and cut-off scores of a Swedish version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire, the most frequently used instrument to measure exposure to workplace bullying. Based on a probability sample of the Swedish workforce (n = 1853), we investigate the validity of both the full version (NAQ-R) and the short version (SNAQ). We suggest optimal cut-offs for the NAQ-R and SNAQ, and for the subscales measuring work- and person-related bullying. Based on the cut-off scores we provide estimates of prevalence in a Swedish context. The factor structure and psychometric properties are comparable to the Norwegian original and the English versions of the instrument. We also tested the criterion validity using 11 outcome and antecedent variables to bullying, and all provided support for its validity. The identified cut-off scores differentiate clearly when tested against the 11 variables used to test criterion validity in the study. The results showed that the Swedish version of the NAQ-R, including the SNAQ, is a valid measure of workplace bullying. To our knowledge, this study is the first study presenting statistical cut-offs for the NAQ-R subscales as well as investigating both the NAQ-R and the SNAQ simultaneously. The present study also provides some criticism against and suggestions for improving the NAQ-R, aiming to capture even more of the overall experience of exposure, ability to defend oneself, overall duration, and on- and offline exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rosander
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stefan Blomberg
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Centre, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Parveen S, Birkeland Nielsen M, Endresen Reme S, Finne LB. Exposure to Client-Perpetrated Violence in the Child Welfare Service: Prevalence and Outcomes Using Two Different Measurement Methods. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:5963-5992. [PMID: 36269025 PMCID: PMC9969493 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221127216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study compared how two different measurement methods of client-perpetrated violence influence findings on prevalence rates and mental health outcomes in a probability sample of 660 Norwegian public sector child welfare workers. Using a single-item self-labeling approach, 15.4% reported exposure to physical violence, and 19.3% reported exposure to threats. Using a 15-item behavioral experience inventory, the prevalence rates ranged from 4.4% to 65.7%. A comparison of these methods uncovered a high number of false negatives when using the single-item approach as 62.2% of those who indicated that they had not experienced any workplace violence when answering the single-item questions reported being exposed 1 to 2 times when responding to the behavioral inventory. Results based on the behavioral inventory further revealed that the most frequently occurring actions in the child welfare service were direct and indirect forms of threats (24.5%-65.7%), while the least reported behaviors were threats and violence including objects (4.4.%-9.1%). Although client-perpetrated violence was significantly associated with mental health problems (e.g., symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress [PTS]) for both assessment methods, the magnitude of the effect sizes differed from η2 = .000 to η2 = .121. These findings highlight that the use of different measurement methods for workplace violence has significant consequences for the assessment of prevalence rates, as well as on results of associated outcomes. Consequently, the decision on how to assess workplace violence has practical implications for uncovering how prominent the issue is, as well as the way in which this negative workplace exposure is subsequently addressed and counteracted. Therefore, both scholars and the child welfare service, and similar fields in which workplace violence frequently occurs, should take these findings into consideration for future assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Parveen
- National Institute of Occupational
Health, Oslo, Norway
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Nielsen MB, Finne LB, Parveen S, Einarsen SV. Assessing Workplace Bullying and Its Outcomes: The Paradoxical Role of Perceived Power Imbalance Between Target and Perpetrator. Front Psychol 2022; 13:907204. [PMID: 35774968 PMCID: PMC9237549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the role of perceived power relation between target and perpetrator regarding victimization and turnover intent following exposure to bullying behavior at the workplace. We hypothesized that (1) targets of bullying behavior who self-label as victims experiences a larger power imbalance with the perpetrator compared to targets who do not self-label as victims, and (2) that the association between exposure to bullying behavior and intent to leave the job is stronger when there is power balance between target and perpetrator than when there is a power imbalance. The hypotheses were tested in a probability sample of employees working in the child welfare service in Oslo municipality, Norway, and that had been exposed to at least one instance of mistreatment from a colleague at their workplace (N = 374). Targets of bullying behavior whom self-labeled as victims reported a larger power imbalance with the perpetrator. Supporting the study hypothesis, and representing a reverse buffering effect, exposure to bullying behavior was most strongly associated with intent to leave among targets in power balance with the perpetrator. For targets in a perceived power imbalance, both low and high exposure to bullying behavior were associated with higher levels of intent to leave. These findings highlight the importance of implementing measures directed at preventing bullying and other forms of mistreatment, irrespective of the power relation between the two parties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Morten Birkeland Nielsen
| | | | - Sana Parveen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Forresi B, Michelini G, Sapuppo W, Costa G, Castellini G, Livellara S, Gregori Grgič R. Anger, personality traits and psychopathological symptoms in subjects exposed to negative interpersonal actions in workplaces: an observational study in a large sample attending a Center for Occupational Stress. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1763-1773. [PMID: 35511292 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between adverse working conditions and mental disorders is well established. In addition to psychopathological symptoms, this study aimed at investigating anger and personality traits in a clinical sample of subjects referring negative interpersonal experiences in workplaces. METHODS 1676 workers attending a Centre for Occupational Stress in Milan (from 2014 to 2016) were administered an assessment protocol including SCL-90 for general psychopathology, STAXI for anger intensity and expression, and MMPI-2 for personality traits. A qualitative checklist was used to collect negative experiences in workplaces. RESULTS Patients reported they were exposed to "threats to the task or the professional career" more than to "attacks to the person". Over 80% scored above the cutoff in all the subscales of the SCL-90, with highest scores in Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Somatization and Paranoia. 60% scored above the 90th percentile in the AX/in subscale, showing intense anger feelings that they mostly suppress. Abnormal elevations at the MMPI scales of Hypochondria, Depression, Hysteria, and Paranoia were found in over 50% of the sample. Women reported higher psychological difficulties and internalized anger than men. Anger towards objects and people, instead, was more common in males. No differences were observed by work sector or employment status. CONCLUSIONS In addition to severe psychological difficulties, individuals reporting negative interpersonal experiences in workplaces have high levels of internalized anger and a distinctive profile of personality traits. While a deeper investigation is needed, anger expression should be considered in future treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Forresi
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20139, Milan, Italy.
| | - G Michelini
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - W Sapuppo
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20139, Milan, Italy.,London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - G Costa
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Castellini
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - S Livellara
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - R Gregori Grgič
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20139, Milan, Italy
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Rosander M, Salin D, Blomberg S. The last resort: Workplace bullying and the consequences of changing jobs. Scand J Psychol 2022; 63:124-135. [PMID: 35060628 PMCID: PMC9303419 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the consequences of changing jobs for employees subjected to workplace bullying. First, we hypothesized that bullied employees would be more likely to change jobs than non‐bullied employees. Moreover, we hypothesized that changing jobs would result in a reduction of exposure to bullying behaviors and an alleviation of mental health problems for those bullied at baseline. The study was based on a longitudinal probability sample of the whole Swedish workforce (n = 1,095). The time lag was 18 months. The results supported all hypotheses except one. Those employees who were bullied at baseline were more likely to have changed jobs at follow‐up. Also, for the changers there was a reduction in exposure to subsequent bullying. The actual drop in exposure to bullying behaviors was significant and substantial. This gives further support for the work environment hypothesis, suggesting the work context may be a more important cause than individual characteristics. As for mental health problems, the association between bullying and subsequent anxiety was not significant for those changing jobs, suggesting that leaving a toxic workplace may reduce anxiety relatively quickly. However, depression symptoms were not affected by the change of jobs, and the association between bullying and subsequent depression was the same 18 months later. The conclusion is that changing jobs can be a useful, last resort on an individual level, improving the situation for the victim of bullying. However, it is important to note that it does not solve any underlying organizational problems and risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rosander
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Denise Salin
- Department of Management and Organisation Hanken School of Economics Helsinki Finland
| | - Stefan Blomberg
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Health, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Medicine and Caring Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden
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Rajalingam D, Nymoen I, Nyberg H, Nielsen MB, Einarsen SV, Gjerstad J. Workplace bullying increases the risk of anxiety through a stress-induced β2-adrenergic receptor mechanism: a multisource study employing an animal model, cell culture experiments and human data. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:1905-1915. [PMID: 34076732 PMCID: PMC8490242 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several studies show that severe social stressors, e.g., in the form of exposure to workplace bullying in humans, is associated with negative mental health effects such as depression and anxiety among those targeted. However, the understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms that may explain the relationship between exposure to bullying and such negative health outcomes is scarce. The analyses presented here focus on understanding the role of the β2-adrenergic receptors (ADRB2) on this association. METHODS First, a resident-intruder paradigm was used to investigate changes in circulating norepinephrine (NE) in rat serum induced by repeated social defeat and its relationship with subsequent social behavior. Second, the direct effects of the stress-hormones NE and cortisol, i.e., synthetic dexamethasone (DEX), on the ADRB2 expression (qPCR) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release (immunoassay) was examined in cultured EL-1 cells. Third, in a probability sample of 1052 Norwegian employees, the 9-item short version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (S-NAQ) inventory, Hopkins Symptom Checklist and genotyping (SNP TaqMan assay) were used to examine the association between social stress in the form of workplace bullying and anxiety moderated by the ADRB2 genotype (rs1042714) in humans. RESULTS The present study showed a clear association between reduced social interaction and increased level of circulating NE in rats previously exposed to repeated social defeat. Parallel cell culture work, which was performed to examine the direct effects of NE and DEX on ADRB2, demonstrated ADRB2 downregulation and MCP-1 upregulation in cultured EL-1 cells. Genotyping with regard to the ADRB2 genotype; rs1042714 CC vs CG/GG, on human saliva samples, showed that individuals with CC reported more anxiety following exposure to bullying behaviors as compared to the G carriers. CONCLUSION We conclude that workplace bullying promotes anxiety and threaten well-being through an ADRB2 associated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Johannes Gjerstad
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Feijó FR, Pearce N, Faria NMX, Carvalho MP, Szortyka ALSC, Oliveira PAB, Fassa AG. The Role of Workplace Bullying in Low Back Pain: A Study With Civil Servants From a Middle-Income Country. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 23:459-471. [PMID: 34678472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional study that analysed the association between workplace bullying and LBP. The participants were 894 judicial civil servants from Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. Workplace Bullying was measured by the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ-r) and Low Back Pain by the Nordic Questionnaire for Musculoskeletal Symptoms (NQMS). Logistic Regression was used to analyse data and test hypotheses. The prevalence of LBP in the last 7 days was 50.1%, while the overall prevalence of Chronic LBP was 19.3%. Some psychosocial factors at work were strongly associated with both outcomes. Workplace bullying was strongly associated with LBP, even after adjustment for several covariates. The odds of LBP in the last 7 days among bullied workers was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.31-2.71) times higher, compared to non-bullied. Workplace bullying was also associated with chronic LBP after adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioural and some occupational factors (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.05-2.44). Psychosocial factors at work, and particularly workplace bullying, were strong risk factors for LBP, in contrast to most individual factors, and dose-response patterns were showed. Positive associations between bullying and LBP raise hypotheses on causation, and the role of psychosocial factors at work are discussed. Further longitudinal studies should address these hypotheses, investigating causal paths, mechanisms and possible mediation. Perspectives: As a psychosocial risk, workplace bullying may play a role in low back pain and can be focus of interventions to prevent LBP. Dose-response patterns on the association between workplace bullying and low back pain are discussed and hypotheses are raised. The paper addresses different ways of measuring and categorising bullying at work, in order to study the relationship between bullying and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Ribas Feijó
- Postgraduate Programme in Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine (F.R.F., N.M.X.F., M.P.C., A.L.S.C.S., A.G.F.), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Postgraduate Programme in Health, Environment and Work (F.R.F.), Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
| | - Neil Pearce
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health (N.P.), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neice Müller Xavier Faria
- Postgraduate Programme in Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine (F.R.F., N.M.X.F., M.P.C., A.L.S.C.S., A.G.F.), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Maitê Peres Carvalho
- Postgraduate Programme in Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine (F.R.F., N.M.X.F., M.P.C., A.L.S.C.S., A.G.F.), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Sica Cruzeiro Szortyka
- Postgraduate Programme in Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine (F.R.F., N.M.X.F., M.P.C., A.L.S.C.S., A.G.F.), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | - Anaclaudia Gastal Fassa
- Postgraduate Programme in Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine (F.R.F., N.M.X.F., M.P.C., A.L.S.C.S., A.G.F.), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Work-related stress presents a significant impact on work performance and physical health. It has been associated with the onset of a multitude of symptoms. The main aim of this investigation is to better understand the impact of post-traumatic stress symptomatology, using a specific self-assessment questionnaire, in subjects experiencing occupational stress with the rationale to address the variegated symptoms expressed by this particular population in a post-traumatic dimensional perspective. METHODS Authors collected socio-demographic, occupational, and clinical data. They utilized Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self Report (TALS-SR), a questionnaire investigating post-traumatic stress symptoms. The population size was 345 subjects who presented at the Occupational Health Department of a university hospital over a 3 years period (2016-2018). RESULTS Data analysis revealed 33.9% of subjects who met post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria. Gender distribution of this set was (36.4% female, 31% male). A family history or personal history of mental disorders were related to higher scores in almost all TALS-SR domains and were related, respectively, to higher scores of criterion B "intrusion symptoms" (P = .014), criterion D "negative alterations in cognitions and mood" (P = .023), and criterion E "arousal" (P = .033) of PTSD. Differences in TALS-SR scores also emerged based on age and gender. CONCLUSIONS PTSD symptoms manifest at a significant level in those who experience work-related stress. Personal background of individuals, both in terms of family and personal history for mental disorders, seems to increase their vulnerability to develop post-traumatic stress symptoms. This study suggests the importance of evaluating occupational stress from a post-traumatic stress perspective also at an early stage.
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Melanda FN, Salvagioni DAJ, Mesas AE, González AD, de Andrade SM. Recurrence of Violence Against Teachers: Two-Year Follow-Up Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP9757-NP9776. [PMID: 31288605 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519861659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze whether the experience of violence by teachers in the school environment increases the risk of teachers suffering violence again within a 2-year period. This longitudinal study included 430 primary and secondary public school teachers from a city in the south of Brazil, with data collected at two time points: T1 (2012-2013) and T2 (2014-2015). The data were obtained via face-to-face interviews and the completion of a questionnaire. The forms of violence investigated included reports of insults from students, humiliation or embarrassment by colleagues or superiors, and threats and physical violence from any member of the school occurring in the 12 months prior to the study. McNemar's test and the Poisson regression with robust error variance were used in the analyses, and the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. After 2 years, there was a reduction in violence reported by the teachers from 65.4% (T1) to 56.9% (T2) (p = .003). Teachers who suffered a certain form of violence had three times the risk of suffering that type of violence again. Those who reported three or four forms of violence at T1 had an RR of 2.23 of suffering any form of violence at T2 (95% CI [1.70, 2.93]) compared with those who did not report violence at T1. Psychological violence at T1 was not associated with physical violence at T2, nor was physical violence at T1 associated with psychological violence at T2. Despite the reduction in violence against teachers reported at T2, some forms of violence remained stable after 2 years. Suffering more forms of violence increases the risk of suffering any future violence.
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Rosander M. Mental Health Problems as a Risk Factor for Workplace Bullying: The Protective Effect of a Well-Functioning Organization. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:1096-1106. [PMID: 34145873 PMCID: PMC8577230 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined a strain-stressor association, when mental health problems may lead to subsequent workplace bullying, and a mechanism of how this can happen. I hypothesized that the association between mental health problems and bullying depends on the perceived role clarity and order in the organization, and that sickness presenteeism (SP) mediates this association. The study is based on a longitudinal probability sample drawn from the total number of employees in Sweden. Workplace bullying, mental health, SP, and role clarity and order in the organization were assessed using a questionnaire. The results showed that mental health problems are associated with an increased risk for subsequent bullying, consistent with previous findings. However, this risk depends on the level of role clarity and order in the organization. The results also show a partial indirect effect via SP. This means that if one has mental health problems and persists in coming to work although one should have stayed at home, the risk of bullying increases. The indirect effect depends also on the level of order in the organization. The findings suggest that individual deficits, such as mental health problems, are associated with subsequent bullying only if organizational deficits are also present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rosander
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Campus Valla, IBL, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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Associations between exposure to workplace bullying and insomnia: a cross-lagged prospective study of causal directions. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:1003-1011. [PMID: 33547968 PMCID: PMC8238703 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objective Workplace bullying has been established as a significant correlate of sleep problems. However, little is known regarding the causal direction between bullying and sleep. The aim of this study was to examine temporal relationships between bullying and symptoms of insomnia. Methods Reciprocal and prospective associations between exposure to workplace bullying and symptoms of insomnia were investigated in a national probability sample comprising 1149 Norwegian employees. Data stemmed from a two-wave full panel survey study with a 6-month time interval between the baseline and follow-up assessments. Models with stabilities, forward-, reverse-, and reciprocal associations were tested and compared using Structural Equation Modelling. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and the stability in the outcome variables over time. Workplace bullying was assessed with the nine-item Short Negative Acts Questionnaire. Insomnia was assessed with a previously validated three item scale reflecting problems with sleep onset, sleep maintenance, and early morning awakening. Results The forward association model, which showed that exposure to workplace bullying prospectively increased levels of insomnia (b = 0.08; p < 0.001), had best fit with the data [CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.049 (0.046–0.052)]. The reverse association model where insomnia influences risk of being subjected to bullying was not supported. Conclusion Workplace bullying is a risk factor for later insomnia. There is a need for further studies on moderating and mediating variables that can explain how and when bullying influence sleep.
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Miller P, Brook L, Stomski NJ, Ditchburn G, Morrison P. Depression, suicide risk, and workplace bullying: a comparative study of fly-in, fly-out and residential resource workers in Australia. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 44:248-253. [PMID: 30995951 DOI: 10.1071/ah18155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The primary objective of this study was to establish whether clinical depression and increased suicide risk differed between Australian fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers and their residential counterparts in the resources sector. We also sought to identify whether bullying and social support were associated with depression and suicide risk in this cohort. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was used. Completed questionnaires were received from 751 respondents who were employed in the Australian resources sector. Primary outcomes were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Negative Acts Questionnaire - Revised. A general linear model was used to examine the association between depression, hopelessness and predictive factors. Results The results of a general linear model analysis demonstrated that depression (partial η2 = 0.02; P = 0.01) and hopelessness (partial η2 = 0.02; P = 0.02) were significantly higher in residential than FIFO workers. In addition, bullying was significantly associated with higher levels of depression (partial η2 = 0.11; P = 0.001) and hopelessness (partial η2 = 0.04; P = 0.001). Finally, increased social support was significantly associated with lower depression rates (partial η2 = 0.13; P = 0.001) and hopelessness (partial η2 = 0.14; P = 0.001). Conclusions Interventions should be delivered to reduce depression and hopelessness in Australian resource workers, particularly through addressing workplace bullying and enhancing social support. What is known about the topic? One-third of Australian resource workers experience psychosocial distress. Research examining factors that influence such distress is lacking. What does this paper add? The results of this study demonstrate that clinical depression and suicide risk were significantly higher in residential resource workers than in FIFO workers. Depression and suicide risk were directly associated with workplace bullying. In addition, social support was an important protective factor against depression and bullying in Australian FIFO and residential resource workers. What are the implications for practitioners? There is an urgent need to introduce interventions that reduce psychosocial distress in the resource sector, particularly through the mitigation of bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta Miller
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. ; ; ;
| | - Libby Brook
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. ; ; ;
| | - Norman J Stomski
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. ; ; ; ; and Corresponding author.
| | - Graeme Ditchburn
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. ; ; ;
| | - Paul Morrison
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. ; ; ;
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Buhaug K, Magerøy N, Einarsen SV, Assmus J, Kvåle A. A clinical study of musculoskeletal dysfunction in targets of workplace bullying. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/21679169.2020.1865451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Buhaug
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Magerøy
- Bjørgvin District Psychiatric Center, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jörg Assmus
- Center for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alice Kvåle
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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Einarsen K, Nielsen MB, Hetland J, Olsen OK, Zahlquist L, Mikkelsen EG, Koløen J, Einarsen SV. Outcomes of a Proximal Workplace Intervention Against Workplace Bullying and Harassment: A Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Among Norwegian Industrial Workers. Front Psychol 2020; 11:2013. [PMID: 32986046 PMCID: PMC7489146 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Workplace bullying is an important and prevalent risk factors for health impairment, reduced workability and lowered efficiency among both targets and observers. Development and tests of effective organizational intervention strategies are therefore highly important. The present study describes the background, design, and protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an organization-wide intervention on preventing workplace bullying with a focus on promoting active and constructive bystander behavior. The main overarching goal is to develop an easy to use and standardized organizational intervention based on theory and research in the role of bystanders in bullying situations with the potential of reducing the prevalence of workplace bullying. The theoretical framework of the study is theory of planned behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991). Methods/Design: Using a full randomized control trial (RCT) design, this project will empirically test the outcomes of an intervention program targeting bullying and harassment as the main distal outcomes and perceived behavioral control and helping behavior among bystanders as the main proximal outcome. A 1-year cluster randomized controlled design will be utilized, in which controls will also receive the intervention. About 1,500 workers from two different locations of a Norwegian industrial company will be randomized into one intervention group and two control groups with at least 400 workers in each group. A survey will be conducted electronically. With a total of three assessments over 10-12 months, the time interval between the measurement times will be 4 months. Thus, the data collection will take place at baseline, completion of the intervention and at 4 months follow-up. Discussion: This study primarily aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention based on the abovementioned features with the ultimate aim of reducing the prevalence of workplace bullying, by awareness raising and training of bystanders. Manager involvement and involvement of the union representative and the elected health and safety representatives is an important feature of the program. Results of the intervention study will provide important information regarding the effectiveness of preventive interventions against workplace bullying when focusing on bystanders, particularly so regarding the role of bystander awareness, bystander self-efficacy, and bystander behavioral control on the one hand and the prevalence of bullying and harassment on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Einarsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Leadership and Organizational Behaviour, BI Norwegian Business School, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørn Hetland
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Olav Kjellevold Olsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Leadership and Organizational Behaviour, BI Norwegian Business School, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lena Zahlquist
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Justine Koløen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Kvaerner AS, Stord, Norway
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15
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Nielsen MB, Christensen JO, Hetland J, Finne LB. Organizational Prevention and Management Strategies for Workplace Aggression Among Child Protection Workers: A Project Protocol for the Oslo Workplace Aggression Survey (OWAS). Front Psychol 2020; 11:1401. [PMID: 32695050 PMCID: PMC7339981 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research has established exposure to workplace aggression as a significant risk factor for employee functioning, well-being, and health. However, less is known about effective prevention and management strategies. The main objectives of the current project were to determine the impact of physical and psychological aggression on the well-being, health, and work ability of employees in the child welfare service and to establish whether a strong psychosocial safety climate and an ethical infrastructure are effective with regard to protecting employees against aggression. This project may help identify the specific risks child welfare workers are exposed to, the impact of workplace aggression on their health and well-being, and the most effective strategies to manage the problem. Furthermore, the findings should be central for developing laws and regulations and to any political decision on measures to tackle aggression in the workplace. Methods The study will employ two prospective data collections. Firstly, a three-wave longitudinal survey with a 6-month time lag between measurement points will be conducted among all 1,500 employees in the child welfare services in Oslo Municipality, Norway. Data will have a multilevel structure and will be linked to registry data on sickness absence. Secondly, a quantitative daily diary study over a 14-day period will include 150 of the respondents from the main survey study. The survey questionnaires mainly comprise well-established and psychometrically validated indicators of workplace aggression, health and well-being, psychosocial safety climate, ethical infrastructure, and other relevant factors. The Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC) in Norway (REC South East) have approved this project (project no. 28496). Discussion This project will identify the impact of workplace aggression on child protection workers as well as provide information on how organizations can actively manage exposure to workplace aggression. The findings may serve as a starting point for intervention studies as well as the development of policies and guidelines on how to handle workplace aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jørn Hetland
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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16
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Prevalence of Traumatic Experiences in South Korean Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113959. [PMID: 32503235 PMCID: PMC7313000 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although a variety of traumatic experiences can impact health over the lifetime, little is known about the prevalence of such experiences in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequencies of traumatic experiences and their differences by gender and age. South Korean adults (N = 3000) aged 19-65 years completed a self-report survey assessing childhood and adulthood trauma and sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, 79.5% of the participants reported at least one traumatic experience in adulthood. Unemployment or job loss and academic or work difficulties were commonly reported. The most distressing adulthood trauma was the unexpected death of a loved one, followed by diseases in loved ones. Childhood trauma was higher in males than in females. In males, childhood trauma was higher at a younger age, but in females, it was higher at an older age. Adulthood trauma was higher in females than in males and at older ages for both males and females. The current findings demonstrate the differences in traumatic experiences by gender and age in the South Korean general population. These results could help improve assessment of and targeted intervention for psychological trauma through trauma-informed strategies in public health practice.
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Nielsen MB, Harris A, Pallesen S, Einarsen SV. Workplace bullying and sleep – A systematic review and meta-analysis of the research literature. Sleep Med Rev 2020; 51:101289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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18
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Miller P, Brook L, Stomski N, Ditchburn G, Morrison P. Bullying in Fly-In-Fly-Out employees in the Australian resources sector: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229970. [PMID: 32208425 PMCID: PMC7092981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Workplace bullying has diverse consequences at both the organisational and individual level. Anecdotal reports indicate that workplace bullying is an issue of particular concern for Australian FIFO workers, which may impact on psychosocial distress. However, no prior studies have examined this issue empirically in a FIFO worker cohort. Methods and materials A cross-sectional survey study design was used to establish the prevalence of bullying in Australian FIFO, antecedents of bullying, and its association with psychosocial distress. Responses were received from 580 FIFO workers in the Australian resources sector. Primary outcome measures were Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised, Beck Depression Inventory II, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association between bullying, suicide risk, and clinical depression. Results Over half of the respondents experienced workplace bullying (55.7%), and about one-third reported moderate or more severe depression (32.3%). Being above the median age (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.31–0.83) and having a supervisor who failed to promote collaboration (OR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.84–5.04) were both significantly associated with experiencing bullying. Bullying was associated with an almost threefold increase in the likelihood of participants reporting increased suicide risk (OR = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.53–4.76). Bullying was also associated with participants being almost two and a half times more likely to report clinical depression (OR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.40–4.05). Conclusion The incidence of bullying in Australian FIFO workers has reached alarming proportions. Bullying was significantly associated with higher levels of clinical depression and suicide risk. The results highlight the need to implement in the Australian resource sector interventions that reduce workplace bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta Miller
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Libby Brook
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Norman Stomski
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Graeme Ditchburn
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Paul Morrison
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- * E-mail:
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19
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Jacobsen DP, Eriksen MB, Rajalingam D, Nymoen I, Nielsen MB, Einarsen S, Gjerstad J. Exposure to workplace bullying, microRNAs and pain; evidence of a moderating effect of miR-30c rs928508 and miR-223 rs3848900. Stress 2020; 23:77-86. [PMID: 31339402 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1642320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to bullying behaviors may give rise to symptoms such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Earlier data suggest that these symptoms often are associated with stress-induced low-grade systemic inflammation. Here, using data from both animals and humans, we examined the moderating role of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) in this process. In the present study, a resident-intruder paradigm, blood samples, tissue harvesting and subsequent qPCR analyses were used to screen for stress-induced changes in circulating miRNAs in rats. The negative acts questionnaire (NAQ), TaqMan assays and a numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity were then used to examine the associations among bullying behaviors, relevant miRNA polymorphisms and pain in a probability sample of 996 Norwegian employees. In rats, inhibited weight gain, reduced pituitary POMC expression, adrenal Nr3c1 mRNA downregulation, as well as increased miR-146a, miR-30c and miR-223 in plasma were observed following 1 week of repeated exposure to social stress. When following up the miRNA findings from the animal study in the human working population, a stronger relationship between NAQ and NRS scores was observed in subjects with the miR-30c GG genotype (rs928508) compared to other subjects. A stronger relationship between NAQ and NRS scores was also seen in men with the miR-223 G genotype (rs3848900) as compared to other men. Our findings show that social stress may induce many physiological changes including changed expression of miRNAs. We conclude that the miR-30c GG genotype in men and women, and the miR-223 G genotype in men, amplify the association between exposure to bullying behaviors and pain.Lay summaryUsing an animal model of social stress, we identified miR-146a, miR-30c and miR-223 as potentially important gene regulatory molecules that may be involved in the stress response. Interestingly, human genotypes affecting the expression of mature miR-30c and miR-223 had a moderating effect on the association between exposure to bullying and pain. Subjects with the miR-30c rs928508 GG genotype had a significantly stronger association between exposure to bullying behaviors and pain than other subjects. The same was observed in men with the miR-223 rs3848900 G genotype, as compared to other men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pitz Jacobsen
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department for Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ståle Einarsen
- Department for Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Johannes Gjerstad
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department for Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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20
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Exposure to bullying behaviours and support from co-workers and supervisors: a three-way interaction and the effect on health and well-being. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 93:479-490. [PMID: 31828422 PMCID: PMC7118028 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01503-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Workplace bullying can be very stressful and it has detrimental effects on health and well-being which makes it an important area of study. Social support has traditionally been seen as important in moderating work-related stress. It was hypothesised that the negative association between exposure to bullying behaviours, and health and well-being is moderated by (a) perceived support from close co-workers and (b) perceived supportive leadership. In the study, we also investigated a three-way interaction between exposure to bullying behaviours, perceived support from close co-workers and perceived supportive leadership. This association has not been studied before and add new knowledge to the research field. METHODS We used a moderated moderation analysis of workplace bullying, co-worker support and supervisor support using cross-sectional data from a work environment survey with 1383 respondents (75% response rate). RESULTS The moderated moderation analysis confirmed the moderating effect of perceived co-worker support but not the moderating effect of perceived supervisor support. There was a three-way interaction, but not in the case of the lowest 12.6% of perceived supervisor support scores. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the negative effect of workplace bullying on health and well-being is weaker if victims perceive that they have co-worker support, but this protective effect seems to be conditional on the perceived level of supervisor support. In other words, lack of supportive leadership may block the beneficial effect of perceived co-worker support.
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21
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Nauman S, Malik SZ, Jalil F. How Workplace Bullying Jeopardizes Employees' Life Satisfaction: The Roles of Job Anxiety and Insomnia. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2292. [PMID: 31708827 PMCID: PMC6821672 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study examined the underlying mechanism through which workplace bullying (WB) affects employees' life satisfaction via job-related anxiety and insomnia. Time-lagged data were collected at two points in time from 211 doctor interns working in various hospitals in Pakistan. Our results fully supported a proposed serial multiple-mediator model. Workplace bullying was indirectly related to life satisfaction via job-related anxiety and insomnia. This study provides evidence of a spillover effect as to how workplace bullying increases employees' job-related anxiety which in turn leads to insomnia resulting in reduced employees' life satisfaction. The present study extends research on workplace bullying to display its theoretical as well as empirical effects on life satisfaction. It demonstrates that workplace bullying as an occupational and psychological stressor has multiple effects on employees' life satisfaction through a serial mediation model in the context of a developing country. It further explains that workplace bullying not only affects an employee's workplace behaviors but also extends to the employee's overall life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Nauman
- Riphah School of Business and Management, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sania Zahra Malik
- Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faryal Jalil
- Institute of Quality and Technology Management (IQTM), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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22
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Zahlquist L, Hetland J, Skogstad A, Bakker AB, Einarsen SV. Job Demands as Risk Factors of Exposure to Bullying at Work: The Moderating Role of Team-Level Conflict Management Climate. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2017. [PMID: 31551872 PMCID: PMC6738166 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflict management climate is an important organizational resource that is theorized to prevent interpersonal frustration from escalating into harsh interpersonal conflicts and even workplace bullying. The present study investigates whether team-level perceptions of conflict management climate moderate the relationship between previously investigated psychosocial predictors of workplace bullying (i.e., role conflicts, workload, cognitive demands) and perceived exposure to bullying behaviors in the workplace. We collected data from crews on ferries operating on the Norwegian coastline consisting of 462 employees across 147 teams. As hypothesized, multilevel analyses showed positive main effects of role conflict and cognitive demands (but not workload) on exposure to bullying behaviors. Also, the hypothesized moderation effect of team-level conflict management climate on the relationship between individual-level job demands and exposure to bullying behaviors was significant for role conflict and cognitive demands, but not for workload. Specifically, the positive relationships between the two job demands and exposure to bullying behaviors were stronger for employees working in teams with a weak (vs. a strong) conflict management climate. These findings contribute to the bullying research field by showing that conflict management climate may buffer the impact of stressors on bullying behaviors, most likely by preventing interpersonal frustration from escalating into bullying situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Zahlquist
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørn Hetland
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders Skogstad
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Arnold B Bakker
- Center of Excellence for Positive Organizational Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ståle Valvatne Einarsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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23
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Nielsen MB, Christensen JO, Finne LB, Knardahl S. Workplace bullying, mental distress, and sickness absence: the protective role of social support. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 93:43-53. [PMID: 31342156 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the protective effects of supervisor, colleague, and non-work-related social support on the associations between workplace bullying, mental distress, and medically certified sickness absence. We hypothesized that social support moderated the direct association between workplace bullying and mental distress as well as the indirect association between bullying and sickness absence through mental distress. We also hypothesized that the protective effects of social support were stronger among women than among men. METHODS A sample of 10,627 employees was recruited from 96 Norwegian organizations. Workplace bullying, mental distress, and social support were assessed through a questionnaire survey and responses were linked to official registry data on medically certified sickness absence for the year following the survey assessment. RESULTS The results showed that all three investigated sources of social support moderated the direct association between workplace bullying and mental distress. Supervisor support moderated the indirect association between workplace bullying and sickness absence through mental distress among both male and female respondents, whereas colleague support moderated this indirect association among women only. Non-work-related support had no protective effect on the indirect association. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that social support, and especially supervisor support, is beneficial with regard to reducing the negative impact of workplace bullying on health and work ability of those exposed. Organizations should, therefore, include social support in interventions targeting bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Live Bakke Finne
- National Institute of Occupational Health, PB 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Knardahl
- National Institute of Occupational Health, PB 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
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24
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Rosander M, Blomberg S. Levels of workplace bullying and escalation – a new conceptual model based on cut-off scores, frequency and self-labelled victimization. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1359432x.2019.1642874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rosander
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stefan Blomberg
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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25
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Reknes I, Visockaite G, Liefooghe A, Lovakov A, Einarsen SV. Locus of Control Moderates the Relationship Between Exposure to Bullying Behaviors and Psychological Strain. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1323. [PMID: 31244725 PMCID: PMC6563764 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Workplace bullying is regarded as one of the most devastating stressors at work for those targeted, and the bullying-mental health relationship is well-documented in the literature, even under lower levels of exposure. However, less is known about when and for whom these negative behaviors have more effect. Perceived control over outcomes in life (i.e., internal locus of control) has normally been related to good health and well-being, while relying on chance and/or powerful others (i.e., external locus of control) have been related to stress and poor health. In situations with reduced individual control like bullying, however, these mechanisms may act differently. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether internal and external locus of control, respectively, moderates the bullying-mental health relationship. Data were gathered in 2014-2015 from 1474 Russian employees (44% response rate), and analyzed using Mplus and SEM modeling. Included measurement scales were the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised, the General Health Questionnaire-12, and Levenson's Locus of Control scale. Although the prevalence of high intensity bullying was low, the results showed the expected positive relationship between exposure to bullying behaviors and psychological strain. Furthermore, this relationship was moderated by locus of control. In line with our expectations, internal locus of control did not have the generally assumed positive effect on strain when exposed to bullying behaviors. On the other hand, external locus of control seems relatively beneficial when facing bullying behaviors. The results of this study thus support that exposure to bullying and its associated behaviors are unique stressors where personal characteristics seem to play a different role than normally expected when facing other kinds of stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iselin Reknes
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gintare Visockaite
- Surrey Business School, Department of People and Organisations, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Liefooghe
- Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrey Lovakov
- Center for Institutional Studies, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ståle V. Einarsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Nielsen MB, Indregard AMR, Krane L, Knardahl S. Workplace Bullying and Medically Certified Sickness Absence: Direction of Associations and the Moderating Role of Leader Behavior. Front Psychol 2019; 10:767. [PMID: 31024402 PMCID: PMC6460766 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine (1) associations between workplace bullying and subsequent risk and duration of medically certified sickness absence, (2) whether employees’ perceptions of supportive, fair, and empowering leader behavior moderate the association between bullying and absence, and (3) whether prior sickness absence increases the risk of being a new victim of bullying. Altogether, 10,691 employees were recruited from 96 Norwegian organizations in the period 2004–2014. The study design was prospective with workplace bullying and leader behavior measured at baseline and then linked to official registry data on medically certified sickness absence for the year following the survey assessment. For analyses of reverse associations, exposure to bullying was reassessed in a follow-up survey after 24 months. The findings showed that workplace bullying was significantly associated with risk (risk ratio = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.13–1.34), but not duration (incidence rate ratio = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.89–1.25) of medically certified sickness absence after adjusting for age, gender, and supportive, fair, and empowering leader behavior. None of the indicators of leader behavior moderated the association between bullying and sickness absence (both risk and duration). Adjusting for baseline bullying, age, and gender, prior long-term sickness absence (>21 days) was associated with increased risk of being a new victim of bullying at follow-up (odds ratio = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.28–2.72). Effective interventions toward workplace bullying may be beneficial with regard to reducing sickness absence rates. Organizations should be aware that long-term sickness absence might be a social stigma as sick-listed employees have an increased risk of being bullied when they return to work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Line Krane
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Villafranca A, Hiebert B, Hamlin C, Young A, Parveen D, Arora RC, Avidan M, Jacobsohn E. Prevalence and predictors of exposure to disruptive behaviour in the operating room. Can J Anaesth 2019; 66:781-794. [PMID: 31168769 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-019-01333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Disruptive intraoperative behaviour ranges from incivility to abuse. This behaviour can have deleterious effects on clinicians, students, institutions, and patients. Previous investigations of this behaviour used underdeveloped tools or small sampling frames. We therefore examined the prevalence and predictors of perceived exposure to disruptive behaviour in a multinational sample of operating room clinicians. METHODS A total of 134 perioperative associations in seven countries were asked to distribute a survey examining five types of exposure to disruptive behaviour: personal, directed toward patients, directed toward colleagues, directed toward others, or undirected. To compare the average amount of exposure with each type, we used a Friedman's test with select post hoc Wilcoxon tests. A negative binomial regression model identified socio-demographic predictors of personal exposure. RESULTS Of the 134 organizations approached, 23 (17%) complied. The total response rate was estimated to be 7.6% (7465/101,624). Almost all (97.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 96.6 to 97.4) of the respondents reported exposure to disruptive behaviour in the past year, with the average respondent experiencing 61 incidents per year (95% CI, 57 to 65). Groups reporting higher personal exposure included clinicians who were young, inexperienced, female, non-heterosexual, working as nurses, or working in clinics with private funding (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Perceived exposure to disruptive behaviour was prevalent and frequent, with the most common behaviours involving speaking ill of clinicians and patients. These perceptions, whether accurate or not, can result in detrimental consequences. Greater efforts are required to eliminate disruptive intraoperative behaviour, with recognition that specific groups are more likely to report experiencing such behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Villafranca
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, AE215, Harry Medovy House - 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0Z2, Canada
| | - Brett Hiebert
- Cardiac Sciences Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Colin Hamlin
- Department of Surgery, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Amy Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Divya Parveen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, AE215, Harry Medovy House - 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0Z2, Canada
| | - Rakesh C Arora
- Department of Surgery, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michael Avidan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eric Jacobsohn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, AE215, Harry Medovy House - 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0Z2, Canada.
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Common mental disorders through the eyes of German employees: attributed relevance of work-related causes and prevention measures assessed by a standardised survey. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 92:795-811. [PMID: 30729316 PMCID: PMC6609828 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Common mental disorders (CMDs) are becoming increasingly relevant in the working world. Numbers of risk factors have been confirmed by mostly correlative cross-sectional studies. Comprehensive and effective prevention is urgently needed. There is little knowledge about employees' own perceptions on causes of CMDs and prevention measures. Therefore, a survey was conducted in 2016. METHODS A standardised instrument was developed for an online survey in a commercial access panel, targeted employees in different job types. We assessed two outcomes: perceived relevance of (1) work-related demands to the development of CMDs, and (2) prevention approaches in the workplace and on individual and societal levels. Possible predictive aspects were analysed exploratively by multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS The response rate was 75% (n = 610). Job types were categorised as "blue", "grey" and "white-collar" workers (n = 193, 169, 248). The majority of respondents rated both outcomes consistently as "quite" or "very relevant"; societal prevention strategies were more relevant for non-white-collar workers. Perceived relevance of individual predisposition to develop a CMD was the strongest predictor for both outcomes, indicating the perception that people with higher personal vulnerability might suffer a higher strain from work-related risk factors than others. CONCLUSION We assume that participants in our survey judged the relevance of work-related causes of CMDs independently of their own workload. The perceived relevance of prevention measures in different areas is consistent with official guidelines. A possible selection bias due to characteristics of access panel collectives and own direct or indirect experiences with CMD should be critically questioned.
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Hoprekstad ØL, Hetland J, Bakker AB, Olsen OK, Espevik R, Wessel M, Einarsen SV. How long does it last? Prior victimization from workplace bullying moderates the relationship between daily exposure to negative acts and subsequent depressed mood. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1359432x.2018.1564279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jørn Hetland
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Arnold B. Bakker
- Center of Excellence for Positive Organizational Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Martin Wessel
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Nielsen MB, Pallesen S, Harris A, Einarsen SV. Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of research on the associations between workplace bullying and sleep. Syst Rev 2018; 7:232. [PMID: 30545416 PMCID: PMC6292118 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-018-0898-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence on the association between exposure to bullying and sleep is limited and inconclusive. The aims of this planned systematic review and meta-analysis are therefore (1) to determine whether exposure to workplace bullying is related to changes in sleep function and (2) to establish mediating and moderating factors that govern the relationship between bullying and sleep. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted. Electronic databases will be searched using predefined search terms to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies should report empirical findings on the association between exposure to workplace bullying and at least one indicator of sleep. Primary observational studies with cross-sectional or prospective research design, case-control studies, and studies with experimental designs will be included. Qualitative interviews and case studies will be excluded. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed with a previously established checklist for studies on workplace bullying. The quality of evidence for an association between bullying and sleep problems will evaluated in accordance with the GRADE system. A random effects meta-analysis will be conducted with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 3. DISCUSSION This review and meta-analysis will be among the first to systematically explore and integrate the evidence available on the association between exposure to bullying and sleep, as well as on the mediating and moderating factors that can govern this associations. By gathering and summarizing information about potential factors that can explain when and how bullying is related to sleep, the findings from this study will provide directions for future research and provide practitioners and clinicians with an understanding about the nature and consequences of workplace bullying and point to directions for relevant interventions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION The protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42018082192 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, N- 0304 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anette Harris
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Lange S, Burr H, Conway PM, Rose U. Workplace bullying among employees in Germany: prevalence estimates and the role of the perpetrator. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 92:237-247. [PMID: 30390155 PMCID: PMC6341046 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1366-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of workplace bullying in Germany while also taking the perpetrator and severity level (measured by frequency) into account and considering the role of gender, age and socio-economic status. METHODS We used data from a large representative sample (N = 4143) of employees in Germany subject to social security contributions. Self-reported bullying was assessed for different combinations of perpetrators (co-workers, superiors) and according to severity, i.e., being exposed at all and to severe bullying (at least weekly). RESULTS Prevalence estimates varied from 2.9% for severe bullying by co-workers to 17.1% for overall bullying (i.e., without distinguishing by perpetrator, less severe bullying also included). Unskilled workers reported more bullying by both perpetrators than academics/managers. We also observed an age trend for severe bullying by superiors (i.e., bossing), with younger employees being more affected from bossing than elder. No gender differences were detected. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that it is crucial to consider type of perpetrator and severity of the behaviors when examining the prevalence of workplace bullying. The way bullying is defined and operationalized strongly contributes to the prevalence estimates. Differences between subgroups and associations or cause-effect relationships should be analyzed with these variations in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Lange
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstraße 40-42, 10317 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hermann Burr
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstraße 40-42, 10317 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Uwe Rose
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Nöldnerstraße 40-42, 10317 Berlin, Germany
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Notelaers G, Van der Heijden B, Guenter H, Nielsen MB, Einarsen SV. Do Interpersonal Conflict, Aggression and Bullying at the Workplace Overlap? A Latent Class Modeling Approach. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1743. [PMID: 30356697 PMCID: PMC6189319 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we tackle an important but unresolved research question: How distinct are workplace conflict, aggression and bullying? We study this question by means of latent class (LC) analysis using cross-industry data from 6,175 Belgian workers. We find a two-factor solution (conflict-aggression versus bullying) to provide the best fit to the data. Employees with low exposure to conflict-aggression and bullying perceived the phenomena as mostly overlapping. Employees who were exposed more frequently to the phenomena reported them to be more distinct - especially so for workplace bullying. We also find conflict-aggression and bullying to have distinct relationships with well-being and strain outcomes. These findings entail that a simple unifying approach or a single label for all three phenomena is not appropriate, at least from a measurement point of view and from the perspective of those exposed. Our results have important implications for the theoretical understanding of conflict, aggression and bullying, and for practitioners who provide support to affected employees including policymakers who help prevent and manage these problems at the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Notelaers
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Beatrice Van der Heijden
- Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Organisation, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, Netherlands
- Kingston Business School, Kingston University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannes Guenter
- Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Fullerton L, Oglesbee S, Weiss SJ, Ernst AA, Mesic V. Assessing the Prevalence and Predictors of Bullying Among Emergency Medical Service Providers. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2018; 23:9-14. [DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2018.1470208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Workplace Bullying as a Predictor of Disability Retirement: A Prospective Registry Study of Norwegian Employees. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 59:609-614. [PMID: 28445177 PMCID: PMC5491229 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine 1) whether bullying is related to all-cause disability retirement, 2) whether bullying contributes to the variance in disability retirement above high job demands and lack of job control, and 3) to establish gender differences in the relationship. METHODS Survey data from 14,501 Norwegian employees on exposure factors linked to registry data on all-cause disability retirement. RESULTS Bullying significantly predicted risk of disability retirement (hazard ratio = 1.55; 95% confidence interval = 1.13 to 2.12). This relationship remained statistically significant after adjusting for job demands and lack of job control. Women had the highest risk of disability, but both bullied men and women had a higher risk of disability than nonbullied employees of the same gender. CONCLUSION Bullying is a risk factor for disability retirement. Measures taken to prevent bullying may be beneficial for reducing both health problems and disability retirement.
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Brunes A, Nielsen MB, Heir T. Bullying among people with visual impairment: Prevalence, associated factors and relationship to self-efficacy and life satisfaction. World J Psychiatry 2018; 8:43-50. [PMID: 29568731 PMCID: PMC5862654 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v8.i1.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine associated factors of bullying and to determine associations between bullying and psychosocial outcomes among individuals with visual impairments (VI).
METHODS We conducted an age-stratified cross-sectional survey of adults with VI who were recruited from the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted. Data were collected through structural telephone interviews in the period between February and May, 2017. Linear regression models were used to examine factors related to bullying and associations of bullying with self-efficacy and life satisfaction.
RESULTS A total of 736 individuals were interviewed. The lifetime and 6-mo prevalence of bullying was 41.7% and 8.2%, respectively. The majority of bullied participants reported VI-specific bullying (65.1%). Victimization of bullying was associated with young age, early onset-age of VI, and having other impairments. Participants who reported bullying had lower levels of self-efficacy [Adjusted relative risk (ARR): 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19-0.85] and life satisfaction (ARR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.51-0.91).
CONCLUSION Bullying is highly prevalent among individuals with VI. Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce bullying may be beneficial for improving the well-being and life quality of people with VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audun Brunes
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Migration - Adults, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo 0409, Norway
| | - Morten B Nielsen
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo 0363, Norway
| | - Trond Heir
- Department of Trauma and Migration, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo 0484, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
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Rosta J, Aasland OG. Perceived bullying among Norwegian doctors in 1993, 2004 and 2014-2015: a study based on cross-sectional and repeated surveys. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e018161. [PMID: 29431127 PMCID: PMC5829781 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine 12-month prevalence of perceived bullying at work for doctors in different job categories and medical disciplines in 1993, 2004 and 2014-2015, and personality traits, work-related and health-related factors associated with perceived workplace bullying. DESIGN Cross-sectional questionnaire surveys in 1993, 2004 and 2014-2015 where the 2004 and the 2012-2015 samples are partly overlapping. SETTING Norway. PARTICIPANTS Response rates were 72.8% (2628/3608) in 1993, 67% (1004/1499) in 2004 and 78.2% (1261/1612) in 2014-2015. 485 doctors responded both in 2004 and 2014-2015. OUTCOME MEASURE Perceived bullying at work from colleagues or superiors at least a few times a month during the last year. RESULTS Between the samples from 1993, 2004 and 2014-2015, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of perceived bullying at work. More senior hospital doctors and surgeons reported being bullied. Doctors with higher scores on the personality trait neuroticism were more likely to perceive bullying, as were female doctors, doctors with poor job satisfaction and poor self-rated health. CONCLUSIONS The fraction of doctors who experienced bullying at work was stable over a 20-year period. Psychological, psychosocial and cultural factors are predictors of perceived bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Rosta
- Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olaf G Aasland
- Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway
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Sheehan M, McCabe TJ, Garavan TN. Workplace bullying and employee outcomes: a moderated mediated model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2017.1406390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maura Sheehan
- The Business School, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, EH, UK
| | - T. J. McCabe
- School of Business, National College of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Conway PM, Høgh A, Nabe-Nielsen K, Grynderup MB, Mikkelsen EG, Persson R, Rugulies R, Bonde JPE, Francioli L, Hansen ÅM. Optimal Cut-Off Points for the Short-Negative Act Questionnaire and Their Association with Depressive Symptoms and Diagnosis of Depression. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:281-294. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Maurice Conway
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Annie Høgh
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | | | - Eva Gemzøe Mikkelsen
- Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Nyhavnsgade, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Roger Persson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Reiner Rugulies
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg University Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Laura Francioli
- Independent researcher, H.C. Ørstedsvej, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Åse Marie Hansen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Nielsen MB, Gjerstad J, Jacobsen DP, Einarsen SV. Does Ability to Defend Moderate the Association between Exposure to Bullying and Symptoms of Anxiety? Front Psychol 2017; 8:1953. [PMID: 29163321 PMCID: PMC5682040 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of workplace bullying, the ability to defend refers to whether or not a target feels able to deal with those negative behaviors that typically constitute bullying. The aim of this study was to determine whether the perceived ability to defend oneself moderates the association between exposure to bullying behaviors at work and symptoms of anxiety as predicted by the definition of workplace bullying. It was hypothesized that exposure to bullying behaviors would be more strongly related to symptoms of anxiety among targets feeling unable to defend oneself than among targets who do feel that they are able to defend themselves in the actual situation. This survey study was based on a probability sample of 1,608 Norwegian employees (response rate 32%). Only respondents exposed to at least one bullying behavior were included (N = 739). In contrast to hypothesis, the findings showed that ability to defend only had a protective effect on the relationship between exposure to bullying behaviors and anxiety in cases of low exposure. In cases of high exposure, there was a stronger increase in anxiety among employees able to defend themselves than among those who generally felt unable to defend. Hence, the ability to defend against exposure to bullying behaviors does not seem to protect high-exposed targets against symptoms of anxiety. Organization should therefore intervene against bullying in early stages rather than relying on the individual resilience of those exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Johannes Gjerstad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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40
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The Role of Psychological Stress Reactions in the Longitudinal Relation Between Workplace Bullying and Turnover. J Occup Environ Med 2017; 59:665-672. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Nielsen MB, Birkeland MS, Hansen MB, Knardahl S, Heir T. Victimization from workplace bullying after a traumatic event: time-lagged relationships with symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2017; 90:411-421. [PMID: 28161885 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-017-1204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined relationships between victimization from bullying and symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTSS) after exposure to a terror attack at the workplace. It was hypothesized that (1) victims of bullying report higher and more stable levels of PTSS over time compared to their non-bullied colleagues and (2) that PTSS provides an increased risk of subsequent victimization from bullying. METHODS The hypotheses were tested in a two-wave prospective sample comprising 2337 employees from Norwegian governmental ministries who were exposed to the 2011 Oslo terror attack. The two waves of data collection were conducted 10 and 22 months after the terror attack. RESULTS Hypothesis 1 was partially supported: victims of bullying reported significantly higher levels of PTSS than non-bullied employees at both measurement points, but bullying was not related to the stability in PTSS over time. In support of hypothesis 2, PTSS at 10 months was significantly associated with an increased risk of feeling victimized by bullying 1 year later. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that victimization from bullying is associated with elevated levels of PTSS in the aftermath of a workplace terror attack, but that bullying does not have any impact on the long-term development of PTSS. PTSS may be a potential antecedent of bullying. These findings suggest that organizations must give high priority to the psychosocial work environment of traumatized employees to prevent further detrimental health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Birkeland Nielsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | - Stein Knardahl
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 8149 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trond Heir
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Harvey SB, Modini M, Joyce S, Milligan-Saville JS, Tan L, Mykletun A, Bryant RA, Christensen H, Mitchell PB. Can work make you mentally ill? A systematic meta-review of work-related risk factors for common mental health problems. Occup Environ Med 2017; 74:301-310. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2016-104015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Nienhaus A, Drechsel-Schlund C, Schambortski H, Schablon A. [Violence and discrimination in the workplace. The effects on health and setting-related approaches to prevention and rehabilitation]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2017; 59:88-97. [PMID: 26497815 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-015-2263-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Violence in the workplace is a widespread problem that manifests itself in very different forms. The consequences for victims and companies are equally diverse. Sexual harassment is a special form of violence at the workplace. Violence may come from external perpetrators (attacks on cashiers) or from persons inside a company or establishment (colleagues, patients, people in care). Statutory accident insurance institutions in Germany (UV, "Unfallversicherungsträger") receive approximately 16,000 occupational injury reports per year that resulted from violence and led to extended incapacity to work. The numbers are increasing steadily. Particularly affected by violence are people working in healthcare and social welfare. Both psychological and physical violence can lead to severe disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To avoid violence, technical, organisational, and personal protective measures are needed. The training of de-escalation officers in the areas affected can be helpful. For victims of psychological and physical violence in the workplace, the UV offers special psychotherapeutic support and recommends the training of first-aiders.
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Petrović IB, Vukelić M, Čizmić S. Rocking at 81 and Rolling at 34: ROC Cut-Off Scores for the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised in Serbia. Front Psychol 2017; 7:2058. [PMID: 28119652 PMCID: PMC5220084 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.02058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Researchers are still searching for the ways to identify different categories of employees according to their exposure to negative acts and psychological experience of workplace bullying. We followed Notelaers and Einarsen's application of the ROC analysis to determine the NAQ-R cut-off scores applying a "lower" and "higher" threshold. The main goal of this research was to develop and test different gold standards of personal and organizational relevance in determining the NAQ-R cut-off scores in a specific cultural and economic context of Serbia. Apart from combining self-labeling as a victim with self-perceived health, the objectives were to test the gold standards developed as a combination of self-labeling with life satisfaction, self-labeling with intention to leave and a complex gold standard based on self-labeling, self-perceived health, life satisfaction and intention to leave taken together. The ROC analysis on Serbian workforce data supports applying of different gold standards. For identifying employees in a preliminary stage of bullying, the most applicable was the gold standard based on self-labeling and intention to leave (score 34 and higher). The most accurate identification of victims could be based on the most complex gold standard (score 81 and higher). This research encourages further investigation of gold standards in different cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana B Petrović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Vukelić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Čizmić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
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45
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Nielsen MB, Glasø L, Einarsen S. Exposure to workplace harassment and the Five Factor Model of personality: A meta-analysis. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kristman VL, Shaw WS, Boot CRL, Delclos GL, Sullivan MJ, Ehrhart MG. Researching Complex and Multi-Level Workplace Factors Affecting Disability and Prolonged Sickness Absence. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2016; 26:399-416. [PMID: 27550629 PMCID: PMC5104770 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-016-9660-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Purpose There is growing research evidence that workplace factors influence disability outcomes, but these variables reflect a variety of stakeholder perspectives, measurement tools, and methodologies. The goal of this article is to summarize existing research of workplace factors in relation to disability, compare this with employer discourse in the grey literature, and recommend future research priorities. Methods The authors participated in a year-long collaboration that ultimately led to an invited 3-day conference, "Improving Research of Employer Practices to Prevent Disability, held October 14-16, 2015, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA. The collaboration included a topical review of the literature, group conference calls to identify key areas and challenges, drafting of initial documents, review of industry publications, and a conference presentation that included feedback from peer researchers and a question/answer session with a special panel of knowledge experts with direct employer experience. Results Predominant factors in the scientific literature were categorized as physical or psychosocial job demands, work organization and support, and workplace beliefs and attitudes. Employees experiencing musculoskeletal disorders in large organizations were the most frequently studied population. Research varied with respect to the basic unit of assessment (e.g., worker, supervisor, policy level) and whether assessments should be based on worker perceptions, written policies, or observable practices. The grey literature suggested that employers focus primarily on defining roles and responsibilities, standardizing management tools and procedures, being prompt and proactive, and attending to the individualized needs of workers. Industry publications reflected a high reliance of employers on a strict biomedical model in contrast to the more psychosocial framework that appears to guide research designs. Conclusion Assessing workplace factors at multiple levels, within small and medium-sized organizations, and at a more granular level may help to clarify generalizable concepts of organizational support that can be translated to specific employer strategies involving personnel, tools, and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki L Kristman
- Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5E1, Canada.
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Human Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - William S Shaw
- Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, Hopkinton, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cécile R L Boot
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - George L Delclos
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Research in Occupational Health (CiSAL), Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mark G Ehrhart
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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Butterworth P, Leach LS, Kiely KM. Why it's important for it to stop: Examining the mental health correlates of bullying and ill-treatment at work in a cohort study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2016; 50:1085-1095. [PMID: 26698825 DOI: 10.1177/0004867415622267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is limited Australian information on the prevalence and mental health consequences of bullying and ill-treatment at work. The aims of this study were to use data from an ongoing Australian longitudinal cohort study to (1) compare different measures of workplace bullying, (2) estimate the prevalence of bullying and ill-treatment at work, (3) evaluate whether workplace bullying is distinct from other adverse work characteristics and (4) examine the unique contribution of workplace bullying to common mental disorders in mid-life. METHOD The sample comprised 1466 participants (52% women) aged 52-58 from wave four of the Personality and Total Health (PATH) through Life study. Workplace bullying was assessed by a single item of self-labelling measure of bullying and a 15-item scale of bullying-related behaviours experienced in the past 6 months. Factor analysis the identified underlying factor structure of the behavioural bullying scale. RESULTS Current bullying was reported by 7.0% of respondents, while 46.4% of respondents reported that they had been bullied at some point in their working life. Person-related and work-related bullying behaviours were more common than violence and intimidation. The multi-dimensional scale of bullying behaviours had greater concordance with a single item of self-labelled bullying (Area Under the Curve = 0.88) than other adverse work characteristics (all Area Under the Curves < 0.67). Self-labelled bullying and scales reflecting person-related and work-related bullying were independent predictors of depression and/or anxiety. CONCLUSION This study provides unique information on the prevalence and mental health impacts of workplace bullying and ill-treatment in Australia. Workplace bullying is a relatively common experience, and is associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety. Greater attention to identifying and preventing bullying and ill-treatment in the workplace is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Butterworth
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia .,Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liana S Leach
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kim M Kiely
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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REKNES I, EINARSEN S, PALLESEN S, BJORVATN B, MOEN BE, MAGERØY N. Exposure to bullying behaviors at work and subsequent symptoms of anxiety: the moderating role of individual coping style. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2016; 54:421-432. [PMID: 27151548 PMCID: PMC5054283 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2015-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate if bullied nurses have a more negative coping style when facing stressful events than do non-bullied nurses, and to determine if coping style moderates the well-established bullying-anxiety relationship. Cohort data were gathered in 2008/2009 and 2010 with a time lag of approximately one year for all respondents. At T1 2059 Norwegian nurses participated, whereof 1582 also responded at T2. A t-test and a hierarchical regression analysis were conducted to obtain results for the hypothesized relationships. The results show that bullied nurses use an active goal-oriented coping style less often compared to non-bullied nurses. Furthermore, active goal-oriented coping seems beneficial only when exposure to bullying behaviors is very low. This effect diminishes however as the bullying behavior intensifies. Hence, victims of bullying seem to cope more negatively with stressful events than do others. On the other hand, high exposure to bullying behaviors has negative consequences for the subsequent level of anxiety for those affected, regardless of their general coping style.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iselin REKNES
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Ståle EINARSEN
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Ståle PALLESEN
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn BJORVATN
- Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente Elisabeth MOEN
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils MAGERØY
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Török E, Hansen ÅM, Grynderup MB, Garde AH, Høgh A, Nabe-Nielsen K. The association between workplace bullying and depressive symptoms: the role of the perpetrator. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:993. [PMID: 27640127 PMCID: PMC5026779 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3657-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the depressive symptoms of the bullied respondents differed according to who the perpetrator was. Methods We used cross-sectional questionnaire data from two representative cohorts: the Danish Working Environment Cohort Study (DWECS 2010) and the Work and Health Study (WH 2012). After excluding respondents not having a leader, or being self-employed, assisting spouses, and those reporting multiple perpetrators in WH 2012, the statistical analysis included 2478 bullied individuals. We compared respondents reporting being bullied by their (1) leader, (2) subordinates, (3) clients / customers / patients / students, or (4) colleagues, respectively. The occurrence of depressive symptoms was measured by the Major Depression Inventory (MDI). Results The most frequent perpetrator of bullying was clients (41.5 %) in DWECS 2010 and colleagues (60.3 %) in WH 2012. In DWECS 2010, the MDI score of those being bullied by clients were significantly lower than the MDI scores of the other groups. In WH 2012, respondents who reported bullying from leaders had a significantly higher mean MDI score than participants being bullied by colleagues. Also in WH 2012, our results indicated that those who were bullied by leaders had a higher MDI score than those bullied by clients, although this difference was not statistically significant at conventional levels. Conclusion Our findings indicated a similar pattern in the two cohorts, with a tendency of more severe depressive symptoms among employees who are exposed to bullying by their leaders, and the least severe symptoms among those who are bullied by clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Török
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Åse Marie Hansen
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matias Brødsgaard Grynderup
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Helene Garde
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annie Høgh
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
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50
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Nabe-Nielsen K, Grynderup MB, Lange T, Andersen JH, Bonde JP, Conway PM, Garde AH, Høgh A, Kaerlev L, Rugulies R, Hansen ÅM. The role of poor sleep in the relation between workplace bullying/unwanted sexual attention and long-term sickness absence. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2016; 89:967-79. [PMID: 27137811 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-016-1136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE While exposure to bullying and unwanted sexual attention was previously found to increase the risk of sickness absence, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Poor sleep can be a consequence of stressful exposures and a cause of poor health, and poor sleep is also a determinant of insufficient recovery. Therefore, the present study investigated whether poor sleep mediates and/or moderates the association between bullying and unwanted sexual attention, on the one hand, and long-term sickness absence (LTSA), on the other hand. METHODS We used questionnaire data from 7650 individuals contributing with 15,040 2-year observation periods. Workplace bullying, unwanted sexual attention, disturbed sleep, and difficulties awakening were measured at three time points, and participants were followed in registers to measure the occurrence of LTSA, defined as ≥30 consecutive days of sickness absence during the subsequent 2 years. RESULTS The odds of LTSA were significantly increased by workplace bullying (OR 1.77; 95 % CI 1.50-2.12) and unwanted sexual attention (OR 1.55; 95 % CI 1.06-2.29). Together, disturbed sleep and difficulties awakening mediated 12.8 % (95 % CI 8.1-19.8) of the association between bullying and long-term sickness absence, and 8.5 % (95 % CI -0.45 to 37.1) of the association between unwanted sexual attention and long-term sickness absence in the fully adjusted model. Neither disturbed sleep nor difficulties awakening moderated these associations. CONCLUSION As expected, bullying and unwanted sexual attention were prospectively associated with long-term sickness absence. Only a small part of this association was mediated by poor sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Nabe-Nielsen
- Centre for Health and Society, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Matias Brødsgaard Grynderup
- Centre for Health and Society, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Theis Lange
- Centre for Health and Society, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark.,Center for Statistical Science, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Johan Hviid Andersen
- Danish Ramazzini Centre, Department of Occupational Medicine, University Research Clinic, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Gl. Landevej 61, 7400, Herning, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg University Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Paul Maurice Conway
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Anne Helene Garde
- Centre for Health and Society, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark.,The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Annie Høgh
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Linda Kaerlev
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Reiner Rugulies
- Centre for Health and Society, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark.,The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Åse Marie Hansen
- Centre for Health and Society, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark.,The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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