Association between bullying at work and mental disorders: gender differences in the Italian people

Associations of strabismus surgery timing in childhood with mental health: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of psychiatric diagnoses in relation to strabismus surgery timing among children with an early strabismus diagnosis who underwent surgery in childhood.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using TriNetX network data from 2003-2023 on patients diagnosed with strabismus at ≤5 years of age and having strabismus surgery before 18 years of age. Cohort 1 comprised patients who underwent initial strabismus surgery at ≤6 years of age; cohort 2, patients with initial surgical intervention at ≥7 years of age. Incidence of mental health diagnoses from 7 until 18 years of age were compared between cohorts.

RESULTS

In cohort 1, 59 of 688 patients (8.6%) of patients were diagnosed with at least 1 mental health disorder versus 123 of 693 patients (17.7%) in cohort 2 (risk ratio [RR] = 2.07; 95% CI, 1.546 to 2.77; P < 0.0001). Gender analysis showed that only males had a statistically significant increased rate of mental health diagnoses in cohort 2 versus cohort 1 (RR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.284 to 2.577; P = 0.006). An increased risk for specific psychiatric diagnoses was found in cohort 2 versus cohort 1; anxiety disorders (RR = 2.19; 95% CI, 1.225-3.922; P = 0.0065), attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (RR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.499-3.175; P < 0.0001), conduct disorders (RR = 2.81; 95% CI, 1.425-5.556; P = 0.0018), and adjustment disorders (RR = 2.07; 955% CI, 1.103-3.876; P = 0.0204). Depressive disorders showed no statistically significant difference between cohorts (RR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.419-2.392; P = 0.9974).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with children having early strabismus surgery, those having surgery at a later age after an early strabismus diagnosis at ≤5 years of age may be more likely to experience a mental health disorder during childhood, although it is unclear whether such disorders are a result of delayed surgery or a driver of the decision to opt for surgery rather than continued conservative management.

Is There Somebody Looking out for Me? A Qualitative Analysis of Bullying Experiences of Individuals Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

According to the World Health Organisation, there are globally 40 million individuals with bipolar disorder (BD), and they experience stigma and discrimination, as many people with mental illness do. Work bullying (WB) is a common organisational problem, deteriorating the well-being and performance of employees and organisations. Although WB experiences have been researched for over three decades, we do not know much about the experiences of this group and what they need to extend their work-life. The current research aims to understand the workplace bullying experiences of individuals with BD and factors that may foster or hinder their participation in the labour force. The research methodology was based on in-depth interviews with 19 employees diagnosed with BD. Bullying experiences were mapped onto the Negative Acts Questionnaire. The data were analysed using the deductive qualitative content analysis on MAXQDA. Results showed that individuals with BD were exposed to bullying in work settings. Perceived reasons for the negative behaviours were mainly the undesirable individual characteristics of the bully, prejudices toward bipolar disorder, and already-existing toxic behaviours within the organisation. To reduce bullying, participants suggested that, among others, top management include equal and fair treatment of disadvantaged employees as performance criteria for supervisors and that organisations provide training against bullying, investigate complaints, apply sanctions, and establish an inclusive environment. If organisations set a stable and enduring vision, enhance a common identity for all employees, work on team building, and emphasise team efforts and goals, the organisational environment would be more inclusive, and individuals with BD would have longer work lives.

Gender Differences in the Association between Workplace Bullying and Depression among Korean Employees

Workplace bullying is a prevalent issue with a significant impact on employees' mental health. This study aimed to explore the relationship between workplace bullying and the prevalence of depression, with a particular focus on the role of gender. A total of 12,344 Korean employees aged 19-65 years were included in the study. They completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and a score of 16 or higher in CES-D indicated depression. The association between workplace bullying and depression was analyzed using logistic regression analyses. The average CES-D scores were higher for both male and female employees who experienced bullying than for those who did not (p < 0.001). The association between the experience of workplace bullying and the prevalence of depression was statistically significant for both genders, with a stronger correlation observed among male employees (p for interaction < 0.001). Organizations are urged to address workplace bullying, particularly for male employees, through the implementation of anti-bullying strategies and policies, as well as the provision of mental health resources and support.

Toxic Relationships: The Experiences and Effects of Psychopathy in Romantic Relationships

Limited research exists on the impact of psychopathy within romantic relationships. We examined mental and physical health consequences reported by intimate partners of individuals with psychopathic traits. Additionally, we explored whether psychopathy severity and coping impacted the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms. Four hundred fifty-seven former and current intimate partners of individuals with psychopathic traits were recruited from online support groups. Victims reported a variety of abusive experiences and various negative symptomatology involving emotional, biological, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal consequences. Psychopathy severity and maladaptive coping were significantly related to increased PTSD and depression, while adaptive coping was only related to decreased depression. Regression analyses revealed that experiencing many forms of victimization predicted increased PTSD and depression symptoms. Examining the specific consequences experienced by intimate partners of individuals with psychopathic traits can aid the development of individualized treatment interventions aimed at symptom mitigation, recovery, and prevention of future victimization.

An Exploratory Study of Bullying Directed Toward Clinical Nursing Faculty: Prevalence and Impact

BACKGROUND

Clinical education is an integral component of nursing education and relies heavily on clinical nursing faculty (CNF). However, there are not enough nurses seeking CNF positions to meet the current demand of the nursing workforce.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and impact of workplace bullying directed toward CNF.

METHODS

For this exploratory cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was distributed to CNF working in New England states.

RESULTS

A total of 76 participant responses were analyzed. Eighteen percent of the participants met the criteria for being either occasionally or frequently bullied. Nursing staff in the clinical agencies and colleagues and administrators in the nursing program where CNF teach were identified as the most frequent perpetrators.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the prevalence and impact of bullying of CNF helps inform the development of strategies to support and retain these essential members of the nursing education workforce.

Women and men, authors and victims of workplace bullying in Italy: a literature review

INTRODUCTION

It is known in literature that women are frequently victims of murder, sexual assault and stalking. It is interesting to investigate the gender characterization when workplace bullying occurs.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the phenomenon of workplace bullying and to understand if there are any relevant data about the gender aspects of workplace bullying by reviewing the literature in Italy.

METHODS

Review of articles on a sample of Italian workers. The research question followed the P.E.C.O. model and the article selection is based on PRISMA statement. Fourteen research strings were applied on: Pubmed, Microsoft Academic e Science Direct. A total of 32 articles were selected.

RESULTS

There are few studies in which gender differences on workplace bullying and crimes related are analysed, in some cases it is considered in the research but not in the results section (n=6 articles). In the studies selected women are predominantly victims (n=10 articles), the aggressors instead are usually men (n=2 articles). The attacks suffered by women are frequently discriminations due to family management, children and gender related issues (n=6 articles). Men have the major consequences on mental health if compared to women (n=7 articles).

CONCLUSIONS

Gender is relevant in the characterization of workplace bullying. There is a need for further investigation focusing on gender differences between perpetrators and victims of workplace bullying offences. A unique evaluation protocol is necessary for evaluating workplace bullying, the crimes linked to it and gender differences, to obtain a more accurate comparability of data.

Quality of Life in Workers and Stress: Gender Differences in Exposure to Psychosocial Risks and Perceived Well-Being

Background

Quality of working life is the result of many factors inherent in the workplace environment, especially in terms of exposure to psychosocial risks.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of life with special attention to gender differences.

Methods

The HSE-IT questionnaire and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index were administered to a group of workers (74 males and 33 females). The authors also used Cronbach's alpha test to assess the internal consistency of both questionnaires and the Mann–Whitney test to evaluate the significance of gender differences in both questionnaires.

Results

The HSE-IT highlighted the existence of work-related stress in all the population with a critical perception regarding the domain “Relationships.” Furthermore, gender analysis highlighted the presence of two additional domains in the female population: “Demand” (p = 0,002) and “Support from Managers” (p = 0,287). The WHO-5 highlighted a well-being level below the standard cut-off point with a significant gender difference (p = 0.009) for males (18, SD = 6) as compared to females (14, SD = 6,4). Cronbach's alpha values indicated a high level of internal consistency for both of our scales.

Conclusions

The risk assessment of quality of working life should take into due account the individual characteristics of workers, with special attention to gender.

Social Aspects of the Workplace Among Individuals With Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVE

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by recurrent mood episodes and profound impairments in psychosocial functioning. Occupational disability is one of the most problematic impairments for individuals with BD due to high rates of unemployment and work impairments. Current evidence indicates that social stressors at work-such as social isolation, conflict with others, and stigmas-are common experiences for employed individuals with BD. Yet, few studies have examined the relationship between social stressors at work and overall occupational functioning, instead focusing on individual clinical features of the disorder.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study employed logistic and linear regressions to determine which demographic variables, mood symptoms, and social aspects of the work environment (exclusion, conflict, social support, stigma) were associated with work status (working vs. not working) and work functioning for individuals with bipolar disorder I and II.

RESULTS

Greater stigma and exclusion at work (p < .05) are associated with unemployment among adult individuals with BD, and higher degrees of depression and conflict at work (p < .05) are associated with work impairments for employed individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

By examining two distinct measures of work outcomes (work status and work functioning) within the same group of participants, this study provides a unique insight, revealing that predictors of occupational functioning vary based on the specific measure of work outcomes used. This study also emphasizes the need for treatments that address the clinical features of BD and intervene in the work environment to improve functioning and prevent unemployment among individuals with BD.

Discrimination, harassment, abuse, and bullying in the workplace: contribution of workplace injustice to occupational health disparities

BACKGROUND

This paper synthesizes research on the contribution of workplace injustices to occupational health disparities.

METHODS

We conducted a broad review of research and other reports on the impact of workplace discrimination, harassment, and bullying on workers' health and on family and job outcomes.

RESULTS

Members of demographic minority groups are more likely to be victims of workplace injustice and suffer more adverse outcomes when exposed to workplace injustice compared to demographic majority groups. A growing body of research links workplace injustice to poor psychological and physical health, and a smaller body of evidence links workplace injustice to unhealthy behaviors. Although not as well studied, studies show that workplace injustice can influence workers' health through effects on workers' family life and job-related outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Injustice is a key contributor to occupational health injustice and prospective studies with oversample of disadvantaged workers and refinement of methods for characterizing workplace injustices are needed.

The importance of both workplace and private life factors in psychological distress: a large cross-sectional survey of French railway company employees

PURPOSE

The psychological well-being of employees is a priority in occupational health. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress among employees of a large French company, to calculate the associations between distress and stressors in the workplace and private life domains, and to explore confounding across stressor domains.

METHODS

8,058 employees of the French national railways company completed a nation-wide survey in 2006 (94.3 % participation). Psychological distress was measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire and 21 potential stressors and socio-demographic factors by a self-administered questionnaire. Stressors were summarized in scores for work pressure, workplace conflict, and personal life domains. Risk ratios (RRs) between psychological distress and stressors were calculated using robust-variance Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of psychological distress was 32.8 % (95 % CI 31.8-33.9 %), higher among women (48.9 %, 95 % CI 46.5-51.7 %) than men (30.1 %, 95 % CI 29.0-31.2 %). Each stressor domain was associated with distress in the final model containing likely confounders and all three domains (RR highest vs. lowest level-work pressure: men 1.55, 95 % CI 1.42-1.70, women 1.42, 95 % CI 1.23-1.63; work conflict: men 2.63, 95 % CI 2.38-2.91, women 1.98, 95 % CI 1.70-2.30; life concerns: men 2.04, 95 % CI 1.86-2.23, women 1.53, 95 % CI 1.32-1.78). The mutually adjusted RRs for the stressor domains were smaller than the unadjusted RRs.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one-third of all employees and one-half of female employees experienced psychological distress. All three stressor domains were associated with psychological distress and adjustment reduced the association size, suggesting possible over-estimation if one or more domains are omitted from the survey.

The impact of bystanding to workplace bullying on symptoms of depression among women and men in industry in Sweden: an empirical and theoretical longitudinal study

Background

Prospective studies on bystanding to workplace bullying and the health outcomes are scarce.

Aim

To investigate the work environmental risk factors of depressive symptoms among bystanders to bullying in both women and men in four large industrial organizations in Sweden.

Method

The number of respondents at four large industrial enterprises with more than one year at the workplace at T1: n = 2,563 (Women: n = 342; Men: n = 2,227). Bystanders to bullying at T1: n = 305 (Women: n = 30; Men: n = 275). The total number of those with symptoms of depression at T2: Women: n = 30; Men: n = 161. Two thousand one hundred and seventy-seven employees answered the questionnaire on T1 and T2 with an 18-month interval. “To have depressive symptoms” was defined as not having depressive symptoms at T1 but having depressive symptoms at T2.

Results

The number of men who were bystanders to bullying was larger compared to women. However, the proportion of women who were bystanders to bullying and developed depressive symptoms 18 months later was higher in comparison with men (33.3 and 16.4 %, respectively). Further, “Being a bystander to bullying” 1.69 (1.13–2.53), “Rumors of changes in the workplace” 1.53 (1.10–2.14), “Reduced role clarity” 2.30 (1.21–4.32), “Lack of appreciation of being in the group” 1.76 (1.22–2.53) increased the risk of future symptoms of depression. “Job Strain” was not an adjusted risk factor for depression.

Conclusion

Our results support previous findings that bystanding to workplace bullying is related to future depressive symptoms.

Does the 'hikikomori' syndrome of social withdrawal exist outside Japan? A preliminary international investigation

PURPOSE

To explore whether the 'hikikomori' syndrome (social withdrawal) described in Japan exists in other countries, and if so, how patients with the syndrome are diagnosed and treated.

METHODS

Two hikikomori case vignettes were sent to psychiatrists in Australia, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the USA. Participants rated the syndrome's prevalence in their country, etiology, diagnosis, suicide risk, and treatment.

RESULTS

Out of 247 responses to the questionnaire (123 from Japan and 124 from other countries), 239 were enrolled in the analysis. Respondents' felt the hikikomori syndrome is seen in all countries examined and especially in urban areas. Biopsychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors were all listed as probable causes of hikikomori, and differences among countries were not significant. Japanese psychiatrists suggested treatment in outpatient wards and some did not think that psychiatric treatment is necessary. Psychiatrists in other countries opted for more active treatment such as hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with the hikikomori syndrome are perceived as occurring across a variety of cultures by psychiatrists in multiple countries. Our results provide a rational basis for study of the existence and epidemiology of hikikomori in clinical or community populations in international settings.

Bullying behaviours among students in Pavia, Italy: prevalence and association with stress and cannabis use

BACKGROUND

This study examined the prevalence of students' reported experiences of bullying and victimization in primary and secondary schools and their association with levels of perceived stress and cannabis use.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled 407 students attending three secondary schools in Pavia (Italy). Bullying and victimization were measured using the retrospective bullying questionnaire (RQB). The 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10) was used to assess the degree to which situations in life were perceived as stressful. Data on demographic characteristics and cannabis use in the previous 6 months were also collected.

RESULTS

There were 328 victims (80.6%) and 221 bullies (52.1%). The results of the stepwise regression analysis with bullying as the dependent variable were significant with either male sex (R2 = 0.030, p = 0.024) or PSS-10 scores (R2 0.056, p = 0.036) in the model. With victimization as the dependent variable, only the PSS-10 scores were retained in the model as an independent predictor variable (R2 = 0.048, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study indicate that the level of perceived stress has an independent association with both bullying and victimization. Further studies are needed to clarify the psychobiological links between stress, cannabis use and bullying behaviours.