Basic assumptions and symptoms of post-traumatic stress among victims of bullying at work

Abstract

Results from several empirical studies suggest that many victims of bullying suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few researchers have attempted to explain why exposure to bullying may result in severe trauma. Furthermore, no studies have related these symptoms to the victims' exposure to other distressing life events. The aims of this study were therefore to assess the prevalence and intensity of PTSD analog symptomatology among a group of 118 victims (aged 20-64 yrs old) of bullying at work. Second, we investigated whether victims of bullying who report being more affected by other distressing life events than by bullying were more likely to suffer PTSD analog symptomatology. A third aim was to investigate whether victims of bullying and non-bullied controls differ in their basic assumptions of themselves, others, and the world. Based on self-report measures, 76% of the victims portrayed symptoms indicating post-traumatic stress disorder. Significant group differences on 6 out of 8 basic assumptions were demonstrated between victims of bullying and non-bullied controls, indicating that exposure to bullying at work may result in increased negative views on self, others, and the world. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)