New research shows how often being the target of bullying at work not only leads to health-related problems, but it can also encourage victims to behave badly. The study found that in some cases this is characterized by a lack of problem-solving solutions and avoidance of coping. For example, drinking alcohol with a problem, often experiencing very negative emotions such as anger, fear and sadness, and high work 'moral withdrawal', which refers to the way people rationalize their actions and relieve themselves of responsibility for the consequences.
While previous research has shown a link between the target of bullying and behavioral problems, this study for the first time identified different configurations of victims by considering not only exposure to and types of bullying, but also health problems and bad behavior. The study also examined how these groups differ in terms of negative emotions experienced in relation to work, coping strategies and moral withdrawal.
The researchers asked 1019 Italian employees about their experiences with workplace bullying, counterproductive behavior and health complaints. They were also asked about their coping strategies, experienced negative emotions at work and moral withdrawal.
Five groups were identified, including victims of workplace bullying who are frequently exposed to bullying due to personal problems, who experience high levels of health problems and misbehavior (4.4% of the sample).
Another group experienced work-related bullying but less frequent personal-related bullying and showed lower health problems and misbehavior (9.6%). While they generally use problem-solving strategies, they tend to be overwhelmed by the negative emotions they experience and are unable to control them. They also tend to be morally detached.
A third group has limited exposure to bullying at work and no exposure to personal bullying (22.3%). Although they do not experience any health problems, they sometimes have counterproductive work behaviour.
A fourth group consists of people who are not bullied, but who show high health-related symptoms and some misbehavior (23.9%). The last identified groups are not exposed to bullying, have no health symptoms or behavioral problems (39.9%).
Examination of the groups in relation to individual dimensions emphasized the crucial role of negative emotions and emotional regulation, independent of exposure to bullying at work. In more severe cases, moral withdrawal and compensatory behavior play an equally important role, indicating that people's ability to regulate their behavior is weakened.
