The Impact of Workplace Cyberbullying and Traditional Workplace Bullying on Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bullying at the workplace has been shown to negatively impact employees’ mental health. Advancements in communication technology have opened the floodgates for workplace bullying to proliferate and continue online, which is referred to as cyberbullying. A consolidation of knowledge and research findings would aid in better understanding the impact of workplace cyberbullying on mental health. Thusly, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on cross-sectional data retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science in January 2023. Pooled analyses showed that both traditional workplace bullying (r = .405, 95% CI = .375 - .435, k = 148, n = 206974) and workplace cyberbullying (r = .266, 95% CI = .215 - .317, k = 10, n = 8870) are associated with mental health declines. Yet, the effect of traditional bullying was somewhat stronger (p = .013). Although significant associations were found, the effects appear to be weak to moderate. The small difference between traditional and cyber...Show moreBullying at the workplace has been shown to negatively impact employees’ mental health. Advancements in communication technology have opened the floodgates for workplace bullying to proliferate and continue online, which is referred to as cyberbullying. A consolidation of knowledge and research findings would aid in better understanding the impact of workplace cyberbullying on mental health. Thusly, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on cross-sectional data retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science in January 2023. Pooled analyses showed that both traditional workplace bullying (r = .405, 95% CI = .375 - .435, k = 148, n = 206974) and workplace cyberbullying (r = .266, 95% CI = .215 - .317, k = 10, n = 8870) are associated with mental health declines. Yet, the effect of traditional bullying was somewhat stronger (p = .013). Although significant associations were found, the effects appear to be weak to moderate. The small difference between traditional and cyber workplace bullying might be better explained by the general effects of online interactions displacing traditional face-to-face communication thereby possibly differentiating from the working mechanism of traditional bullying. A major limitation is the use of self-report questionnaires for bullying and mental health outcomes, resulting in possible reporting bias. Future research might benefit from using one universal and standardized questionnaire to assess workplace bullying experience. These findings emphasize the need for corporations to focus on the prevention of workplace bullying to safeguard employees’ mental wellbeing and promote a healthier and more productive work environment.Show less

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The Impact of Workplace Cyberbullying and Traditional Workplace Bullying on Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis