Exposure to negative acts at work and self-labelling as a victim of workplace bullying: The role of prior victimization from bullying

Abstract

The present study examines employees’ prior victimization from bullying in school or at work as a predictor of 1) their current exposure to negative social acts at work and 2) the likelihood of labelling as a victim of workplace bullying, and 3) whether the link between exposure to negative acts at work and the perception of being bullied is stronger among those who have been bullied in the past. We tested our hypotheses using a probability sample of the Norwegian working population in a prospective design with a 5-year time lag (N = 1228). As hypothesized, prior victimization positively predicted subsequent exposure to negative acts, which in turn was related to a higher likelihood of developing a perception of being a victim of workplace bullying. However, contrary to our expectations, prior victimization from bullying did not affect the relationship between current exposure to negative acts at work and the likelihood of self-labelling as a victim. Taken together, the results suggest that employees’ prior victimization is a risk factor for future victimization, yet overall plays a rather modest role in understanding current exposure to negative acts and self-labelled victimization from bullying at work.

Consequences and coping strategies of nurses and registered nurses perceiving to work in an environment characterized by workplace bullying

“…The research was conducted in a north-western Italian region. As suggested by Hoprekstad et al [ 40 ], the personal history of employees who have been victims of bullying (e.g. victims of bullying at school) may influence their current perception and experience of workplace bullying.…”

Insecure Attachment Styles and Bullying Perpetrators in the Workplace: An Exploratory Study

“…Workplace bullying is a particular and distinct form of aggression at the workplace. It is primarily repeated, hostility and power inequity (Einarsen et al, 2011;Hoprekstad, Hetland, & Einarsen, 2021). This includes insolence, fright, isolation and negatively influencing someone's work activities frequently and over time (Einarsen, Hoel, Zapf, & Cooper, 2003;Mikkelsen, Hansen, Persson, Byrgesen, & Hogh, 2020).…”