A Cross-sectional Study of the Association between Workplace Bullying or Harassment and Severe Psychological Distress in the US: Stratified by Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity

Abstract

BackgroundWe examined the association between bullying/harassment and severe psychological distress (SPD), and the association was stratified by age, gender, and race/ethnicity among working Americans. MethodsThe data for this study came from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey, the most recent data that contains the key outcome, a bullying/harassment measure. A total of 19,456 working Americans over the age of 18 were included for analysis. A dichotomous measure for SPD was constructed using the Kessler-Psychological Distress Scale (K6), and bullying/harassment was dichotomized. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were estimated from the logistic regression model to determine the association between bullying/harassment and SPD. Additionally, the association was stratified by age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Results The study results showed that adults who experienced bullying/harassment had a higher proportion of SPD (20.3% vs 9.4%; p=<.0001). In the multivariable regression model, bullying/harassment was associated with a greater odd of SPD (AOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.38-2.11). Significant variations existed in the extent to which bullying/harassment impacts SDP across sub-population. Adults ages 18-29 (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.59-3.13) and 30-44 (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.43-2.91) showed significantly higher odds of SPD in the presence of workplace harassment or bullying experience, while those 45-59 and 60 or above did not show a considerable difference. Both men (AOR 1.93, 95% CI1.43-2.58) and women (AOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.21-2.09) who had workplace bullying or harassment reported increased SPD. The greater SPD associated with bullying or harassment was also found in black (AOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.43-3.69) and the racial/ethnic ‘minority’ (AOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.50-5.28). The results show that workplace bullying/harassment disproportionately impact young adults, women, and racial/ethnic minorities. ConclusionsThe findings increase the knowledge base on the harms of workplace misbehaviors on the worker’s mental health. The study highlights the importance of workplace measures along with individuals’ precautionary behaviors to mitigate prevalent workplace hazards and to make a safe and healthy work environment.