Crushing the Spirit: Unmasking the Impact of Workplace Bullying on Psychological Wellbeing among Portuguese Employees

Abstract

The research objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of workplace bullying and to find out whether there is a relationship between workplace bullying and psychological wellbeing among employees in Portugal working in different sectors. A cross-sectional study and a survey were conducted with 205 employees to gather the data. The findings indicate that the prevalence of bullying ranges from 28.8% to 9.96% when applying different measurements. The results also revealed that, in the context of the possible influence of different forms of bullying on mental wellbeing, person-related bullying had the strongest effect on mental restlessness, sadness, impulsivity, and anxiety, while it showed the weakest effect on depression. In all cases, the presence of person-related bullying decreased the level of psychological wellbeing. The results of this study hold practical implications for organizations, as they emphasize the crucial role of managers in being aware of and implementing strategies to prevent workplace bullying. By prioritizing mental health among employees, managers may enhance their overall wellbeing and foster positive work relationships, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more productive work environment.