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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-05-2020 | Affective Disorder | Original Article

Workplace bullying and depressive symptoms among employees in Germany: prospective associations regarding severity and the role of the perpetrator

Authors: Stefanie Lange, Hermann Burr, Uwe Rose, Paul Maurice Conway

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of self-reported workplace bullying on depressive symptoms in a prospective study among a representative sample of employees from Germany. We focused specifically on the role of the perpetrator (co-workers and superiors), which was never done before in a longitudinal design.

Methods

We used data from a nation-wide representative panel study with a 5-year follow-up (N = 2172). Data on bullying exposure were obtained separately for different perpetrators (co-workers and superiors) and degree of severity (severe bullying, i.e., at least weekly). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). We used logistic regression analyses to examine the effect of workplace bullying at baseline on depressive symptoms at follow-up.

Results

After adjusting for baseline depressive symptoms, severe bullying by co-workers significantly increased the 5-year risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.50). Severe bullying by superiors had a nonsignificant effect.

Conclusions

Workplace bullying is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among employees in Germany. The type of perpetrator seems to be an important factor to consider, as indicated by the elevated risk of depressive symptoms when bullying is perpetrated by co-workers.

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Title: Workplace bullying and depressive symptoms among employees in Germany: prospective associations regarding severity and the role of the perpetrator
Authors: Stefanie Lange
Hermann Burr
Uwe Rose
Paul Maurice Conway
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Affective Disorder
Affective Disorder
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01492-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Workplace bullying and depressive symptoms among employees in Germany: prospective associations regarding severity and the role of the perpetrator

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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