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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-02-2021 | Original Article

Killing two birds with one stone: how intervening when witnessing bullying at the workplace may help both target and the acting observer

Authors: Morten Birkeland Nielsen, Michael Rosander, Stefan Blomberg, Ståle Valvatne Einarsen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Objective

This study examines under which conditions being an observer of bullying can be detrimental to health and well-being. It was hypothesized that health-related problems following observations of bullying are determined by (1) whether the observer has been exposed to bullying her/himself and (2) whether the observer have tried to intervene in the bullying situation that they witnessed.

Methods

The study was based on a longitudinal probability survey of the Swedish workforce, with an 18-month time lag between assessment points (N = 1096).

Results

Witnessing bullying at work were associated with an increase in subsequent levels of mental distress among the observers, although this association became insignificant when adjusting for the observers’ own exposure to bullying. Intervening against bullying moderated the relationship between observations of bullying and mental health problems. Observers who did not try to intervene reported a significant increase in mental health problems at follow-up, whereas there were no significant changes in levels of mental health problems among those who did intervene.

Conclusions

the findings suggest that observer interventions against bullying may be highly beneficial for both the targets and observers of bullying. Organizations should therefore invest in ways to increase constructive bystander behavior in negative social situations at the workplace.

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Title: Killing two birds with one stone: how intervening when witnessing bullying at the workplace may help both target and the acting observer
Authors: Morten Birkeland Nielsen
Michael Rosander
Stefan Blomberg
Ståle Valvatne Einarsen
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01575-w

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Killing two birds with one stone: how intervening when witnessing bullying at the workplace may help both target and the acting observer

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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