Workplace Bullying and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis on Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Data

Summary

Background A growing body of research has confirmed that workplace bullying is a source of distress and poor mental health. Here we summarize the cross-sectional and longitudinal literature on these associations. Methods Systematic review and meta-analyses on the relation between workplace bullying and mental health. Results The cross-sectional data (65 effect sizes, N = 115.783) showed positive associations between workplace bullying and symptoms of depression (r = .28, 95% CI = .23–.34), anxiety (r = .34, 95% CI = .29–.40) and stress-related psychological complaints (r = .37, 95% CI = .30–.44). Pooling the literature that investigated longitudinal relationships (26 effect sizes, N = 54.450) showed that workplace bullying was related to mental health complaints over time (r = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.13–0.21). Interestingly, baseline mental health problems were associated with subsequent exposure to workplace bullying (r = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.10–0.27; 11 effect sizes, N = 27.028). Limitations All data were self-reported, raising the possibility of reporting- and response set bias. Conclusions Workplace bullying is consistently, and in a bi-directional manner, associated with reduced mental health. This may call for intervention strategies against bullying at work.

Related articles

• Locating Myself in the Socio-Political Context Through Transactional Analysis

  This document explores a personal journey of self-discovery and growth from a socio-political perspective, using the framework of Transactional Analysis (TA) to analyze experiences and the impact of societal systems.

• My Socio-Political Journey and Transformation through Transactional Analysis

  This reflective document chronicles a personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment within socio-political contexts, emphasizing the author's experiences related to identity, privilege, marginalization, and the transformative potential of Transactional Analysis.

• The Concept of Stress Adaptation

  This document explores the concept of stress adaptation, detailing definitions, physiological responses, and coping strategies related to stress as a biological response, environmental event, and transactional relationship.

• 3 Concepts of Psychobiology

  This chapter explores key concepts in psychobiology, focusing on the interplay of genetics, neuroendocrinology, psychoneuroimmunology, and psychopharmacology in understanding psychiatric disorders and their implications for nursing practice.

• Psychological Disorders and Specific Symptoms

  This document outlines various psychological disorders, including their symptoms, classifications, and characteristics, focusing particularly on dissociative and depressive disorders. It serves as an educational resource for understanding these mental health conditions.