Resilience as an underexplored outcome of workplace bullying

Qual Health Res. 2013 Mar;23(3):291-301. doi: 10.1177/1049732312468251. Epub 2012 Dec 4.

Abstract

The problem of workplace bullying appears to be especially common in the hospitality industry and in health, education, and social services. Bullying results in negative effects on the psychological and physical health and well-being of targets, bystanders, and those accused of bullying. I undertook a qualitative research project to investigate the experiences of 17 New Zealand social workers who identified themselves as having been targets of workplace bullying. All participants had experienced negative physical and psychological health impacts. I also found, however, that in the aftermath of their difficult experiences, most considered that they had eventually developed greater resilience. Resilience was enhanced when participants' sense of control over their situation improved and when they received support from witnesses and managers. I make recommendations to indicate how these resilience-promoting conditions can be achieved in the organizational setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bullying / psychology*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New Zealand
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology
  • Qualitative Research
  • Resilience, Psychological*
  • Self Concept
  • Social Work*
  • Somatoform Disorders / diagnosis
  • Somatoform Disorders / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Workload / psychology
  • Workplace Violence / psychology*